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Small D Pyett ready for big jump
By Sarah Lindenau — RedWingsCentral.com / September 15, 2008The next Brian Rafalski? That'd suit Logan Pyett just fine.
"Obviously (Rafalski's) a top defenseman in the NHL and he's right here in Detroit so I am able to watch him," the Detroit Red Wings prospect said. "He's a guy that I obviously watch closely and try to model my game after."
Pyett, a 5-foot-11, 198-pound blueliner, plays an offensive-minded game and his best assets are his skating, passing and shot. He buried 20 goals among 54 points with the Western Hockey League's Regina Pats last season.
"The Red Wings like to move the puck quick and they like their D to get up in the offense and contribute," Pyett said. "These are strengths to my game."
Not only are the Red Wings carrying the 5-foot-9 Rafalski on the roster, but they also have 5-foot-9 Brett Lebda and 5-foot-11 Derek Meech. Cracking the NHL lineup in Motown means shoring up your defensive game, too.
"The defensemen (Detroit) has on its roster, whether they be smaller or not, are also very good defensively," Pyett said. "In my four years in Regina I worked on my positioning, taking people out of the play, and taking the body, but it's still (an area) I have to work on to move to the next level."
Pyett, who captained the Pats last season and helped Canada win a gold medal at the world junior championship in January, is entering his rookie year in the professional ranks after signing a three-year contract in May.
"I am excited to be here," Pyett said. "Making Team Canada for the world junior and being (Regina's) captain helped me last year. I matured a bit and I think all those things and having a good year came together for me to sign."
Pyett worked hard on his strength and conditioning in the off-season.
"I just tried to keep myself in good shape," he said. "I am a thicker kid and I tried to make sure my body fat wasn't too high. I wanted to stay in good shape."
As the prospects tournament winds down in Traverse City, Mich., and the main camp and exhibition season begin, Pyett hopes to impress the Red Wings enough to secure a spot with the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins.
He understands getting to Detroit will probably take some time.
"The (Red Wings) have a full group with all their NHL players returning and AHL players with more seasoning," he said. "I am not expecting too much. Obviously I've got to play well and hopefully I will get a shot (at the NHL)."
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