Apr 4, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman
Derrick Pouliot(51) controls the puck as Columbus Blue Jackets left wing
Matt Calvert(11) trails the play during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Derrick Pouliot
Pouliot is looked at as the next big star to emerge on Pittsburgh’s blue line. He’s a dynamic player with offensive skill to spare and will hopefully get a shot at quarterbacking the power play in 2015-16.
However, during his time in the NHL last season, he had a tendency to look like a different player from shift to shift. At times, you wouldn’t have thought he was as young and inexperienced as he is based on his poise, demeanor, and ability to control play at the both ends of the ice. But there were also times where his age showed, largely when trying to clean up his own end.
I recently discussed ideal defensive pairings for the Pittsburgh Penguins based off of recent performance with and without specific partners. Pouliot performed well with Ben Lovejoy last season and the two of them could find magic if paired up again, but many have him slated to play a top-four role alongside Ian Cole. Whether that proves to be the case or not, the Pens will need him to mature quickly as he’ll be called upon for big things going forward.
Aside from proving that he can play a better two-way game in the NHL, he also has to prove that he can stay healthy. Oh, and speaking of Ben Lovejoy…