Penguins/NHL
Derrick Pouliot, the 8th overall pick in the 2012 pick, has been recalled this morning along with journeyman defenseman Taylor Chorney.
Christian Ehrhoff is expected to miss tonight’s game vs Florida. It’s unknown who else is ailing or might have come up sick. The Penguins now have officially 24 active players on their roster.
Pouliot a dynamic offensive defenseman, leads Wilkes Barre with 20 points (7G-13A-20Pts) in 23 games and his 13 assists lead the club. A strong start to his professional career after recovering from shoulder surgery he had in May.
Pouliot and Chorney are both expected to participate in Saturday’s morning skate.
Penguins head coach Mike Johnston coached Pouliot in Portland the past couple seasons and felt coming into this season that Pouliot was NHL ready, though, most scouts would dispute that because of Pouliot’s defensive game.
However, Pouliot is never going to be a Kris Letang type defender in his own end who matches against the oppositions top lines and centers like Ryan Getzlaf, no matter how long he stays in the AHL.
Pouliot has special offensive talent and great ability as a power play quarterback for such a young player which won’t have him spending much time in the AHL during his career.
The Penguins have often called up young defenseman just for the experience this season but with Johnston’s comfort level with Pouliot, it’s possible he gets in the lineup tonight.
