Pittsburgh Penguins: Ranking the Team’s AHL Call-ups This Season

Dec 27, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Eric Fehr (16) and Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Derrick Pouliot (51) chase the puck during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Washington won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

1. Derrick Pouliot

Perhaps it may be unfair to call Derrick Pouliot the top call-up for the Pens considering he only made it into 7 games, but the young defender was excellent in the minutes he did get.

If not for Pittsburgh’s depth on defense, Pouliot would most certainly remain in the NHL. Despite being only 20 years old, he looked poised and confident during his tenure with the Pens, showing little in the way of his inexperience.

He didn’t do too badly on the scoresheet either, as he posted a goal and two assists in those 7 games.

Pouliot was fairly solid defensively as well, managing a +1 rating and looking like he’d been in the league for years.

As the Pens didn’t think sitting in the press box or playing limited minutes would be the best option for Pouliot’s development, the young defenseman was sent back to the AHL where he can play a key role.

That being said, his short time in Pittsburgh gave fans and the organization alike a glimpse at the bright future of their top prospect.

What do you think, Pens fans?