After being on a temporary absence for personal reasons during the 2022-2023 season, forward Samuel Poulin is looking ahead to secure his spot on the Pittsburgh Penguins org chart.
The 22-year-old made his National League debut in October but, after being demoted to farm club Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, took a break in December and did not return until April. While he says he’s fine-tuning his preparation to improve his physical condition, he’s confident he’ll come back strong.
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“I’ve worked on myself a lot over the last few months. Things are going well at the moment. You just have to be willing to play hockey. That’s all that matters now,” he said on the sidelines of the organization’s development camp earlier this summer, the Penguins’ official website reported Tuesday.
“I think it’s about embracing a new mindset,” he added. I haven’t played for a few months and my body hasn’t gotten too used to the stress. I must be patient during this process and eventually I will return to the past plane. […] I’ve been playing hockey since I was 3-4 years old. That’s what I like to do. Things haven’t really changed. I’m always happy to be in the arena and on the ice rink.”
A happy coach
When asked about the skater he is likely to see again in the American League (AHL), industry head coach JD Forrest backed up Poulin’s statements.
“With all due respect to him, we’re just glad he’s here,” he said in the development camp. He’s in a great position and he’s a good young player. We are delighted that he is involved in all of this.”
The 21st draft pick in 2019, amassed 37 points in 72 games in his debut season at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2021-2022. The former Sherbrooke Phoenix and Val-d’Or Foreurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League hit four goals in 15 AHL games last year.