Pittsburgh Penguins: Samuel Poulin needs a slot on the expanded roster
The Pittsburgh Penguins are officially in the playoffs. Now, they need to give serious thought to adding Samuel Poulin to the expanded roster going forward.
The Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager, Jim Rutherford, spoke a few weeks back about what his expanded roster might look like if the season moved on. He was quoted saying that he would like to “carry a total of 30 guys.” After yesterday, we now know hockey is coming back so, who will get added. Many are worthy of it, but last year’s top pick, Samuel Poulin, deserves the most solid look.
The Penguins have 17 forwards already on their active roster, but not all of them are currently active. Both Nick Bjugstad and Dominik Simon have been put out by severe injuries and recoveries, and Jake Guentzel is still working his way back. With their returns up in the air, it’s the perfect chance for Poulin to make a plunge into the Penguin’s frozen waters.
Poulin was given a chance to shine last season after he was draft but was seen more as a prospect. That chance came during the Penguins Prospects Tournament previous season, but this year, there will not be that chance. The Pens canceled their tournament this summer, giving the youth little opportunity to showcase themselves.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Samuel Poulin needs a slot on the expanded roster
You know that a player of Poulin’s status is going to make it at some point, but what a time for him to show it on the biggest of stages. This year in the QMJHL, he played in 46 games and tallied up 77 points (32 goals and 45 assists). There’s a massive difference between the Q and the NHL, but this chance would be a great “trial by fire” moment.
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If he fails, he gets better and has a solid point to get too. If he succeeds, then the Penguins have another legit winger that has performed at an ultra-high level. Poulin can bring an added creativity with his high-end, explosive upside, with the additional skill set of being a complete power-forward. The Pens need to take advantage of this situation that usually wouldn’t be there.