As much as I like Pouliot's offensive IQ, I was expecting more production from a top 10 pick a year removed from the draft on arguably the most stacked offensive team in junior.
Portland took a big hit in the last couple years in terms of losing some very productive, high end offensive players (Rattie, Leipsic, etc.). Yes, they still have some fire power, but certainly less than last year.
That said, I have no issues with Derrick Pouliot's output. This guy is NOT going to be Erik Karlsson -- i.e. a Dman with a realistic shot at cracking 100pts for the first time since Brian Leetch -- or perhaps even a point-per-game type Dman. Pouliot's strength is really in his playmaking, transition game, and ability to see the ice and QB the power play. This should lead to good numbers, but this guy's innate skill in these areas is undeniable. What is going to determine just how good this guy can be is not these offensive skills or output, since that is beyond doubt IMO, but rather whether he can develop the complete game and physical play of a guy like Kris Letang, or his idol, Drew Doughty.
I was horrified when I saw Oscar's skating at the prospects tourney. He had become one of my favorite prospects via the Interwebs, but when I actually saw him play it was another matter.
Sundqvist can still develop, We have seen prospects dramatically improve their skating. But it's no sure thing. Hopefully he comes around - I really like the rest of his game.
It's not only that his skating is so weak & laborious -- because we've seen guys who aren't great skaters who have been great players in the NHL -- but it's the complete antithesis of what "Penguins Hockey" is all about. Dustin Jeffrey, who deserves credit for the work that he's put in and how is an above-average skater who has some legit quickness, looks like Pavel f*in' Bure compared to Sundqvist.
Now, the Pens brass will know the back story on this player better than anyone else: how he has performed in fitness testing, what training & power skating he has or has not done in the past, etc., so they would be in a better position to gauge just how much growth & improvement he does or doesn't have. But yeah, I'm with you: I thought he could be, perhaps, a guy who could one day replace Brandon Sutter on the 3rd line one day. But after seeing his skating, he's got a long way to go before he's a serious threat to be able to fill that kind of role for us in the NHL.
Jarry has been mighty impressive in the past few weeks. Hopefully he can keep up the solid play with the excessive work load this year.
