The Penguins have once again made a headcount ahead of tonight’s matchup with the Sabres.
A week after his last recall, moving forward Sam Poulin was reassigned to the Baby Pens to make room for Ville Koivunenwho returns from a short stint at IR.
I can’t help but feel sorry for Sam, who played in two games and registered a shot on goal, along with two goals and two blocked shots.
Yes, he was a minus-2, but he also registered solid underlying numbers across the board, including an expected goals percentage of 57.50.
It’s the latest in a series of revolving door call-ups for the former first-round pick. It seems that Poulin hardly has time to get used to his new surroundings when he is sent away again.
No, Sam isn’t exactly dazzled in his all-too-brief cameos (two assists in fifteen games, spread over four seasons). He’s not the fastest skater either.
However, I was hoping that the 24-year-old power forward would get a more comprehensive look under the new coach for his sake (not to mention that of the team’s). And Muse. Say a 10-15 match to prove once and for all whether he’s major league material or a classic AAAA-er.
I mean, at this stage we know what thirty-somethings are Kevin Hayes And Danton Heinen can (and can’t), right? Would it hurt to give Sam the same chance?
Unfortunately, at least for now, it wasn’t meant to be.
What if that opportunity just doesn’t present itself in the ‘Burgh? I would like to see Sam get a fresh start with a new team.
Maybe Kyle Dubs will meet him.
#Penguins #update #Sam