Former first round draft pick Oilers acquired in Jarry trade is lost, says analyst
Photo credit: Bakersfield Condors
Since arriving from Pittsburgh in the Tristan Jarry deal December 12, Samuel Poulin has struggled to adapt with the Bakersfield Condors.
Former junior-standout searching for role
Prior to the Oilers-Pens trade, Poulin was playing with Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins, where he led his team with 9G and 20 points over 22 games, as per THEAHL.com.
His role there was clearly defined and he performed it well.
Since the trade, he's still finding his place in the Bakersfield lineup, one in which there are several offensive candidates already, forcing him out of his comfort zone.
In the 13 games he's dressed for the Condors, Poulin has only 2G and 2G, clearly producing at a much slower pace than what he's used to, despite a strong debut on the second line with Roby Jarventie and Viljami Marjala.
Of course, it's likely he's still finding his stride and his role and potential contributions are still being learned by Condors' coach Chaulk.
He may have more to offer, however. The 2019 1st-round pick by Pittsburgh scored 29G and 76 points in 67 games in the QMJHL. He followed that up the next season with 32G and 77 points in only 46 games.
His offensive upside is palpable, and his size at 6'2", 227-pounds allows him to play a more aggressive style, perhaps as a power forward.
According to Oilersnation, he is projected to be a bottom-6 forward.
I see a world where Poulin can give you some helpful minutes as a fourth-liner. He kills penalties, his work ethic on the forecheck and backcheck is consistent, and he can sometimes take a puck from the wall to the middle to advance possession. In reality this is more of a throw in for a Condors team who has been in need of a forward that is willing to play on the defensive side of the game.
Edmonton has tried filling that role with Henrique and Frederic, though both have failed.
It's possible that Samuel Poulin develops into a grinder who can also score goals. He certainly has the skills for it.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 18|442 ANSWERS Former first round draft pick Oilers acquired in Jarry trade is lost, says analyst Do you see Samuel Poulin making the Oilers' roster next season? | ||
| yes | 148 | 33.5 % |
| no | 294 | 66.5 % |
| List of polls | ||