Following a season marred by injuries that restricted Poulin’s call-up chances, is the moment upon us for the Penguins’ 2019 first-round selection to make his NHL debut?
Graduates and players who left from last year’s roster
Notable mentions
#25: Raivis Ansons
#24: Kirill Tankov
#23: Isaac Belliveau
#22: Taylor Gauthier
#21: Chase Pietila
#20: Emil Jarventie
#19: Kalle Kangas
#18: Joona Vaisanen
#17: Filip Kral
#16: Mac Swanson
#15: Jonathan Gruden
#14: Cruz Lucius
#13: Emil Pieniniemi
#12: John Ludvig
#11: Mikhail Ilyin
#10: Harrison Brunicke
#9: Tristan Broz
#9: Sam Poulin, F
2023 Ranking: #8
Age: 23 (February 25, 2001)
Acquired Via: 2019 NHL Draft (Round 1, Pick 21)
Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 208 pounds
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After being chosen by the Penguins as the No. 21 pick in the 2019 draft, Poulin has not yet received a substantial opportunity to showcase his skills on the NHL roster.
After a four-month leave to prioritize his mental well-being during the 2022-23 season, Poulin returned and spent the majority of the 2023-24 season with the Wilkes/Barre-Scranton Penguins.
In 41 AHL games, he notched 16 goals and 15 assists, accumulating a total of 31 points, primarily playing as a top-six forward.
The Penguins may have relied more on Poulin when injuries affected their forward depth mid-season, had he not also faced his own injury troubles. His availability for call-ups was limited as he missed the majority of November and February due to injuries.
Despite these setbacks, Poulin proved to be effective for the WBS Pens when healthy. Between December 16 and February 3, he recorded 10 goals and six assists for a total of 16 points over 21 games, including a memorable two-goal Gordie Howe hat trick against Lehigh Valley on January 26.
Sam Poulin did it all on Friday night, scoring two goals (including the game-winner), providing an assist, and engaging in a bout with Garrett Wilson, as the #WBSPens triumphed over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, 4-3, at the PPL Center.
Postgame Highlights are courtesy of the @PALottery. pic.twitter.com/d2oUume0sY
— Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (@WBSPenguins) January 27, 2024
Poulin’s opportunity to join the Pittsburgh squad came late in the 2023-24 season, where he played three games without registering any hits but managed to put two shots on goal, averaging under eight minutes of ice time per game.
Poulin: “I’m just so excited to be here. It feels so good. I’ve come a long way to get here… In the last year, I kinda learned who I was as a person, so I’ll just bring what I usually bring. The goal is to win. My goal is to help the team win.” pic.twitter.com/32zZgLZMj0
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 26, 2024
In March, Poulin reflected on his journey, stating that he has “come a long way” since his mental health hiatus last season, as reported by team journalist Michelle Crechiolo:
“I believe I’ve progressed significantly since last year and have put a lot of work into self-improvement to reach this point and get into this shape, too.”
“For quite a while, I wasn’t really enjoying playing hockey at all. It’s wonderful to come to the rink, have fun every day, and be with the boys.”
S
Sidney Crosby shared his thoughts on Poulin’s return in March, as noted by Crechiolo:
“The most important thing is that he’s playing and enjoying himself, back to doing what he loves. His call-up is merely a result of that. What really matters is that he’s happy, and it seems to be the case.”
In April, Kyle Dubas and the Penguins re-signed Poulin to a two-year contract, which will necessitate the forward clearing waivers if assigned to the AHL. This may suggest that the organization intends to give the former first-round pick a genuine opportunity in the NHL this season.
Throughout his AHL and NHL career, Poulin has played as a left winger, right winger, and center. This versatility, combined with his capacity to leverage his size for creating traffic in front of the net, could bolster his chances of securing a roster position coming out of training camp and potentially provide him with his first significant opportunity in the NHL next season.
Is This Finally Sam Poulin’s Moment? Penguins’ Former First-Round Pick Poised for a Full-Time NHL Role
Sam Poulin: A Rising Star in the NHL
Sam Poulin, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ former first-round pick from the 2019 NHL Draft, has been making headlines lately as he prepares for what could be his breakout season. After a series of ups and downs in the AHL and limited appearances in the NHL, many fans and analysts are asking: Is this finally Sam Poulin’s moment?
The Journey of Sam Poulin
Sam Poulin was selected 21st overall by the Penguins in 2019, a testament to his potential and skill set. As a left winger, he has consistently demonstrated offensive prowess, strong skating abilities, and a high hockey IQ. Here’s a brief overview of his journey thus far:
- Junior Career: Poulin showcased his talent in the QMJHL with the Sherbrooke Phoenix, where he served as captain and recorded impressive stats.
- AHL Experience: Since turning pro, Poulin has spent significant time with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, working on his game and adapting to the professional level.
- NHL Appearances: Poulin debuted with the Penguins in the 2021-2022 season, making a few appearances but not securing a permanent spot.
Current Season Potential
As the 2023-2024 NHL season approaches, several factors suggest that this may be the moment Poulin secures a full-time role in the NHL.
1. Increased Confidence and Maturity
With each season, Poulin has gained valuable experience, which has translated into increased confidence on the ice. His maturity is evident in his decision-making and ability to read plays, crucial traits for a successful NHL career.
2. Strong Performance in the AHL
During the last AHL season, Poulin notched impressive numbers, which have raised expectations for his performance in the NHL.
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points</th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | 60 | 20 | 25 | 45 |
| 2022-2023 | 65 | 30 | 35 | 65 |
3. Penguins’ Roster Changes
The Penguins have undergone significant roster changes, with veteran players moving on. This transition opens opportunities for younger players like Poulin. The coaching staff may be more inclined to integrate fresh talent to revitalize the team’s performance.
4. Training Camp Performance
Initial reports from the Penguins’ training camp indicate that Poulin has been one of the standout players. His work ethic and adaptability have impressed both coaches and teammates. If he continues this trend, he could solidify his place on the roster.
Benefits of Having Poulin on the Penguins’ Roster
Integrating Sam Poulin into the Penguins’ lineup comes with numerous benefits:
- Offensive Depth: Poulin’s scoring ability adds depth to the Penguins’ offense, providing more options in critical game situations.
- Youth and Energy: His youthful energy can inject life into the lineup, fostering a more dynamic playing style.
- Long-term Potential: As a first-round pick, Poulin represents the future of the franchise. Investing in his development can pay off in the long run.
Practical Tips for Following Sam Poulin’s Progress
For fans eager to keep tabs on Sam Poulin’s journey, here are some practical tips:
- Follow Social Media: Stay updated through the Penguins’ official social media channels and Poulin’s personal accounts for real-time updates and insights.
- Watch Preseason Games: Tune into the Penguins’ preseason games to see Poulin in action and assess his performance against NHL competition.
- Join Fan Forums: Engage with other fans in online forums and discussion groups to share insights, predictions, and analyses of Poulin’s season.
Case Study: Comparing Poulin to Other Young NHL Players
To further highlight Poulin’s potential, consider comparing him to other young players who successfully transitioned to the NHL.
| Player | Draft Year | First NHL Season | Current Team | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirill Kaprizov | 2015 | 2020-2021 | Minnesota Wild | Calder Trophy Winner |
| Alex DeBrincat | 2016 | 2017-2018 | Detroit Red Wings | Multiple 40+ Goal Seasons |
| Jason Robertson | 2017 | 2019-2020 | Dallas Stars | Point-Per-Game Player |
First-Hand Experience: Insight from Coaches and Teammates
Feedback from coaches and teammates often provides valuable insight into a player’s readiness for the NHL. Observations from Penguins’ staff suggest that Poulin’s work ethic and willingness to learn are commendable traits that bode well for his future.
– Coach’s Perspective: Coach Mike Sullivan has praised Poulin’s improvement and adaptability, emphasizing that he’s not just a talent but a dedicated player focused on growth.
– Teammate Insights: Fellow players have noted Poulin’s competitive spirit and ability to elevate those around him, which can be crucial in a team setting.
Final Thoughts on Sam Poulin’s Future
As the hockey world watches Sam Poulin’s journey unfold, there’s no denying the excitement surrounding his potential. With a mix of talent, experience, and opportunity, this could be the defining year for Poulin. If he can channel his skills and the support of the Penguins organization into consistent performance, 2023-2024 may very well be the year he takes his place among NHL regulars. Keep an eye on his progress as he attempts to carve out a significant role in the Penguins’ lineup.
