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Penguins Likely to Cut Ties With Veteran Defenseman After New Report
Photo credit: Pittsburgh Hockey Now
Penguins GM Kyle Dubas may be forced to cut ties with the organization's veteran defenseman Colton Poolman after the latest report was revealed.
After four stable seasons with the AHL affiliates of the Calgary Flames, Colton Poolman joined the Buffalo Sabres as a UFA in the 2024 offseason. The transaction failed to produce many opportunities.
He was scratched for 26 of 31 games in the Rochester Americans, registering one assist in five games.
A midseason deal to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton gave Poolman limited ice time. With the Penguins' blue line depleted by injuries, he paired up as the third unit and played in 11 of 12 games between Jan. 4 and Feb. 7, handing out two assists.
After a seven-game scratch string, he resurfaced Feb. 23 and scored his sole goal of the year in a 5-4 OT loss to Providence.
Poolman's season continued with three additional games, then he suffered an injury of undisclosed severity that kept him out in mid-April.
Poolman didn't play in the AHL playoffs due to an injury
He didn't play in either of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's pair of playoff games. Now an unsigned UFA, Poolman, who will turn 30 in December, will not be returning.
He was signed chiefly to add depth to a depleted roster, and while he's long proven himself a reliable AHL defenseman, posting 60+ games in three straight seasons with the affiliates of Calgary, his 2024-25 campaign never got on track.
Considering younger prospects like Daniel Laatsch, Emil Pieniniemi, and Chase Pietila, who are expected to fight for spots next season, Poolman will probably need a new destination in order to maintain his pro career.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 13 | 115 ANSWERS Penguins Likely to Cut Ties With Veteran Defenseman After New Report Should the Penguins cut ties with Colton Poolman? | ||
| Yes | 88 | 76.5 % |
| No | 27 | 23.5 % |
| List of polls | ||