Great start to the year for Poehling with 10 points (3G 7A) in 6 games. His team is 6-0 to start the year and he's been a huge part of their success. Their coach, Bob Motzko, said he reminds him of Mikko Koivu. Here's the article in French with a quick translation.
http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2017/11/01/ryan-me-fait-penser-a-mikko-koivu-bob-motzko
His coach basically says that if the draft was re-done today, that Ryan would certainly go higher then where he was picked. He said the Habs made a great pick and the reason a lot of teams passed on him is because they weren't sure of his offensive upside, but that he was only 17 years old playing against men that were 23 and 24 in some cases.
Ryan said he was going through a lot of changes last year including being away from home for the first time and starting university at 17 years old. he feels way more comfortable this year and implicated in the offense. He wanted to prove to people that he can drive the offense if given the chance. He never considered himself a strictly defensive prospect.
His coach mentioned that he's a major reason for their success this year so far and that he's their number 1 centre. He says that he knows the Canadiens have been looking for good centre for a long time and Ryan is exactly that. He reminds him of Mikko Koivu in that he can do everything.
Lastly, Rob Ramage who's the Director of Player Development for the Habs said that he's a complete centre who's very mature and he's also putting up big points this year along. All teams are looking for this style player with this size ( 6 foot 2, 200 pounds).
Can 't wait to see him at the World Juniors against the best players of his age!