Tomáš Tatar
A crafty and consistent Slovak winger who became a reliable offensive producer across a long and respected NHL career.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Slovak ice hockey player·Birthday: December 1·Millennials
Biography
Tomáš Tatar's game was never about flash; it was built on smart positioning, a quick release, and a dogged work ethic that made him a coach's favorite. Drafted by the tradition-rich Detroit Red Wings, he honed his craft in the AHL before becoming a fixture in their lineup, known for his knack for timely goals. A key piece of the Slovak national team for over a decade, he carried their offensive hopes on the international stage. After establishing himself in Detroit, he embarked on a journeyman's path, providing valuable secondary scoring for Montreal, Vegas, New Jersey, and Seattle. While never a superstar, Tatar's value lay in his durability and consistent 20-goal potential, making him a respected and effective top-nine forward for over 800 NHL games, a testament to his adaptable and professional approach.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Tomáš was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Tomáš Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Tomáš's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Represented Slovakia in multiple IIHF World Championships and the 2014 Winter Olympics.
- Scored a career-high 30 goals for the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2017-18 season.
- Played in over 800 regular-season NHL games, amassing more than 400 career points.
- Won the AHL's Calder Cup with the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2013, leading the playoffs in goals.
Did You Know?
His nickname is 'Tuna,' a play on his last name.
He was drafted with the pick the Red Wings received as compensation for losing Marian Hossa to free agency.
He played junior hockey in the Czech Republic for HK Dukla Trenčín.
He scored his first NHL goal on his first shot in his first game, against the Dallas Stars in 2010.
“You have to be ready when your chance comes, and then you have to work to keep it.”
