After struggling with mental health issues last season, Quebec native Samuel Poulin made a good impression in Pittsburgh Penguins camp and racked up points in the eyes of head coach Mike Sullivan.
Although he had to be held in check in a 2-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday, the 22-year-old hockey player impressed and found the target once in each of his two appearances. On the ice, he doesn’t look like an athlete who took a break from sports in December 2022 to get his problems under control. Asked after the game, Sullivan praised the former Sherbrooke Phoenix and Val-d’Or Foreurs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
“I think Sam is a very good player. “Our expectations of him have not changed,” the driver told the team’s official website. We believe he has a lot of potential. We have to understand his situation: he missed a lot of hockey last year, practically the entire season. So I think he needs time, but he had a solid rookie camp and showed some good signs here.”
“We really like his game,” he added of the man set to start the regular season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton school club. He is big, strong and efficient deep behind the net in the opponent’s zone. He is very good in front of the cage, uses his physicality to protect the puck and can take advantage of shot returns. He has a good stick that he uses for distraction.
Health above all
For the coach, the priority remains different when it comes to Poulin, who played 18 professional games in 2022-2023.
“The most important thing and certainly the most obvious thing is Sam’s health. That has always been the most important thing for us and will continue to be that way.” However, it looks good and feels comfortable. He’s doing really well and we’re happy he can go far.”
The “Pens” will play their last friendly game against the Buffalo Sabres.