Expectations were low for Derrick Pouliot after being acquired from Pittsburgh for a 4th round pick and Andrey Pedan. After all, the former eighth overall pick had failed to outplay journeyman Chad Ruhwedel for a blue line spot on the Penguins roster.
Pouliot has defied these critics and played some of the best hockey in his professional career; earning a regular spot on the Canucks’ backend. What’s stood out most to the naked eye has been the poise and confidence that he’s shown with the puck in all three zones. The 23-year-old has been able to effectively transition the puck to forwards with crisp breakout passes, whilst showing an ability to also rush the puck up the neutral zone for controlled offensive zone entries.