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The Last Stand for Sam Poulin (+)

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Pittsburgh Penguins prospects, Sam Poulin

COLUMBUS — In 2019, the Pittsburgh Penguins did something they had not done in the previous handful of years and did only thrice between 2013 and 2022. The Penguins management kept their first-round selection at the NHL Draft in Vancouver and made a selection.



Sam Poulin was the pick but has been fighting headwinds to make the NHL ever since. Some years, it was his unreadiness. There was the half-season he missed with personal issues. And now, there is a crowded roster of equally good players, if not better.

In addition to Poulin, 2019 seventh-round pick Valtteri Puustinen is rowing in the same boat, though Puustinen finally broke through and played 52 NHL games last season.

Both could be in their final days with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization.

“I don’t think I have to say anything to them, but I’m sure I will,” said coach Mike Sullivan. “I think you’re stating the obvious that there are fewer and fewer exhibition games, and by nature of that, there’s less opportunity for players to make an impression on the group and do their very best to make the roster. These guys are all competing hard. They’re they’re competitive guys. I think they all get it. They understand that it’s a competitive training camp.”

Actually, there’s only one more.

Adding a little more fuel for motivation, there may be an extra roster spot open, at least temporarily as Blake Lizotte remains out with the concussion he suffered Sunday in Sudbury.

Thursday is the next to last preseason game. The last is Friday, which is typically a chance for the full NHL roster to play together. In other words, Thursday might be the Last Chance Saloon for the starcrossed Poulin.

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