Dec 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman
Derrick Pouliotcelebrates after scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers during the first period of an NHL hockey game at Consol Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Don Wright-USA TODAY Sports
#5 Keep Derrick Pouliot At The NHL Level
When the injury plague struck the Pittsburgh Penguins were quick to call up Brian Dumoulin and Scott Harrington, two of the Penguins best defensive prospects. However, it was not until another defender went down did Derrick Pouliot get his NHL chance.
In his first game his play was outstanding and he scored the game winning goal. Since then he continues to impress and recently has taken over quarterbacking the Pittsburgh Penguins top powerplay unit. While Harrington and Dumoulin are considered pure defenders, Pouliot is an outstanding two way player who has transitioned to the NHL seamlessly.
He, like Olli Maatta, has surpassed expectations and has shown his is ready for the big stage. Rutherford needs to take notice and realize that one of the three veteran defenders (Rob Scuderi, Paul Martin or Christian Ehrhoff) are viable trade bait.
Get ready Pittsburgh, Derrick Pouliot is here to stay!