BEN
By Lowetide
7 years agoIn all the excitement around left-wing this summer (Hall exit, Lucic entry) it is easy to forget that Benoit Pouliot delivered quality for the Oildrop in 2015-16. Where will he play this year?
POSSIBLE OPENING NIGHT ROSTER
Pouliot is a quality NHL forward. His 2.05 5×5 points-per-60 ranks him No. 37
among NHL forwards with 400 or more minutes in the discipline.
among NHL forwards with 400 or more minutes in the discipline.
He is excellent on the forecheck and creating turnovers in the neutral zone while helping quick counter-strike offense. That makes him a good option for Connor McDavid, and a great one with Nugent-Hopkins—who is also excellent at breaking up sorties before they get started.
CORSICA
There is a fabulous site called Corsica.hockey that breaks out lines, pairings and damned near everything else on planet earth.
Pouliot played on three effective lines last season who spent significant time together:
- Pouliot—McDavid—Eberle went 56 percent in 5×5 possession in 147 minutes.
- Pouliot—Nuge—Eberle went 53 percent in 5×5 possession in 211 minutes.
- Pouliot—McDavid—Yakupov went 52 percent in 5×5 possession in 127 minutes.
I think that is one of the things Pouliot brings to this club that is perhaps underrated: He can play successfully on multiple lines. He has the experience to be trusted with kids, and he has the skill to contribute with very skilled players.
HE IS STILL HERE!
Back in March, Jason Gregor mentioned he had heard Pouliot’s name in trade discussions around the deadline:
- Gregor: Nail Yakupov asking for a trade isn’t a surprise. I can see why he’d be
frustrated. Right around the trade deadline a source told me Yakupov and
his camp had asked for a trade, but I could never get a solid
confirmation so I didn’t write it. My source mentioned at the time the
Ducks were close (not guaranteed but close) on a deal with Yakupov and
Benoit Pouliot prior to the trade deadline, but the injury to Pouliot
put an end to those discussions. Source
One of the reasons I think Pouliot remains here is his utility. Chances are Milan Lucic and Connor McDavid have all kinds of chemistry and light up the Western Conference this winter. That said, Pouliot represents one helluva backup plan, and can be trusted to help Nuge form a strong and effective second line with Nuge/whomever. Thoughts?
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