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Penguins Take Notice as Prospect Shines Following Mental Health Struggles
Photo credit: Hockey Unplugged edit
The Penguins are starting to take notice of one of their prospects, Sam Poulin, who is shining in camp after what has not been an easy past for him.
In 2019, the Pittsburgh Penguins retained their first-round selection for the first time in five seasons.
Former GM Jim Rutherford utilized it to select forward Sam Poulin 21st overall with the expectation that the large-framed QMJHL product would develop into a power forward or dependable middle-six center.
The developmental route hasn't been linear. Poulin spent time in juniors prior to four largely inconsistent seasons with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, managing only 13 NHL games and two assists.
His progress was also interrupted when he took a step back during the 2022-23 campaign to prioritize his mental well-being, playing a combined 18 games at both levels.
"You know, the last couple of years I was, not to use this as an excuse, but I was dealing with mental health issues, and I think it was affecting my game quite a bit," Poulin said. "So, I dealt with what I had to deal with, and I'm just in a good headspace, and I just want to play hockey and win and be a part of that team."
Sam Poulin is Having the Best Training Camp of His NHL Career so Far
Now 24, Poulin seems to be getting back on track. His camp performance this fall was the best he's had so far. Though scoring will not be the definition of his game, his 6-foot-1, 227-pound stature makes him capable of playing defense.
WBS coach Kirk MacDonald relied on him a great deal late in games to assist in shutting down leads, and he has shown a willingness to fight in the defensive zone.
Poulin has also demonstrated a willingness to play physically, evidenced by a preseason brawl with Montreal's Jared Davidson.
Poulin acknowledges his skating has not radically changed, but his conditioning and confidence are noticeably better.
A dark horse to crack the opening roster, his consistent progress indicates he may receive another NHL chance as the season wears on.
Better late than never, the Penguins are perhaps finally getting the player that they wished for when they drafted him six years ago.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 1 | 70 ANSWERS Penguins Take Notice as Prospect Shines Following Mental Health Struggles Will Sam Poulin crack the Penguins roster this year? | ||
| Yes | 38 | 54.3 % |
| No | 32 | 45.7 % |
| List of polls | ||