For any Canadian Pens fans with a free dance card tonight, you can watch Pouliot in the Winterhawks/Royals playoff game on Shaw at 10PM Eastern tonight.
Free dance card? but not a dance card, whatever that is.
I'm betting on a Portland vs. Edmonton Finals.
3-3, Pouliot scores on PP to tie it.
Edit- 4-3 Portland, Pouliot a PP assist.
He's making the NHL out of camp next year, I can guarantee it. Especially if Letang isn't back.
Dang, 12 points in 6 playoff games. Please DP don't hurt 'em.
Hope he spends year is WBS, then makes it to NHL.
5-3 Portland.
I'm not so sure he'll need it. His game this year has evolved a ton. He's no longer solely a PPQB that's bad to mediocre defensively, he's solid at both ends now (more in the offensive zone obviously). His hockey smarts is on par with Maatta, possibly even above. The only glaring issue with him is strength, but that didn't stop Maatta from excelling in the NHL. I'd definitely start the season with him on the bottom pair. If he's not ready, just send him back to the AHL.
The sad thing is that Shero's hoarding of D is about to bite us. Both Samuelsson and Despres are not waiver eligible next year. It's either the NHL or trade for them. I could see Samuelsson slide in as the #7 D when Engelland leaves, which would be fine. I'm thinking Despres is gone, most likely in a big trade (hopefully not just trading him for picks). I just don't see his place in the organization anymore. They just don't like him.
Pouliot´s amazing progress might be the another reason why Shero will trade Despres in the offseason. I´m fine with that as long as Pouliot is a full-time NHLer next year.
Well, it is what it is. I think the most general managers understand this process and Despres still has at least decent value.After his coach kills Despres' trade value?
Thing is, Dumo is ready now I feel. Harrington could play in the NHL next year as well in a bottom pairing role. McNeil is really coming along also.
This is why Despres needs to be playing now so the org knows what they have in him.
I would guess that one of our d prospects are traded at the draft. Whether the traded prospect is part of a larger trade (for a trade-up, for a winger, whatever), or just a spot clearing deal, I have no clue. But I have a feeling it happens.
Personally, I would be interested in looking at moving up in the draft. I wonder what a package of Sutter and Despres would bring in. And what would adding our first add on top of that?
Well, it is what it is. I think the most general managers understand this process and Despres still has at least decent value.