https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAbY2cmEsS0
Benoit Pouliot has been a lightning rod since signing with the Edmonton Oilers in July of 2015. Pouliot had been a journeyman for years prior to the signing, having effective stints in Montreal, Boston, Tampa Bay and New York with the Rangers. His deal has three more seasons left at $4 M per year, a hefty price no doubt.
That said, Pouliot is a very consistent producer. In his first season with Edmonton, he registered 34 points in 58 games. This season? 33 points in 49 games, likely to hit forty points this year. 30 points is Pouliot’s line in the sand, that’s where he is going to come in every season. He’s a low level second line forward with some size and power play ability.
Is Pouliot an elite forward? No, he’s a complimentary piece, but he’s a strong complimentary piece. This is a player who will produce some offense and who can play with skill. His chemistry with Connor McDavid is undeniable, and his ability to help the Oilers shouldn’t be forgotten. This is a real top six forward in the NHL, folks.
Yes, Pouliot has some down points. He can go into prolonged slumps and he is prone to taking too many bad penalties. He had a bad game on Tuesday night, taking two terribly lazy penalties, but chasing him out the door because of it is crazy.
This is a player that takes some bad penalties, but he doesn’t do it as often as one would think. These bad penalties are a negative point but they certainly don’t mean he’s a bad player. Pouliot can help Edmonton and that’s a fact. Get good players, keep good players, right?
Regardless of what you might read today from those covering the Oilers, Benoit Pouliot is a good player on a decent contract who will help this hockey club. I don’t drink the “Dump Pouliot and sign Lucic!” kool-aid, Pouliot is effective and should be kept around, plain and simple.
Enough with chasing these players out of town.
Goalie Swap:
Laurent Brossoit impressed again on Saturday night, stealing a point for the Oilers in his second NHL game. Two games, two stellar performances for LB as an Oiler, he’s the future. The future is not now however, and the Oilers sent him back to Bakersfield on Wednesday. Anders Nilsson was recalled by the Oilers to take his spot as backup goaltender.
Nilsson started two games for the Condors and went 2-0-0 with a 2.01 GAA and a .935 SV%, solid numbers. Is that Nilsson getting his confidence back? I’m not sure, but hopefully this is him finding his groove like at the start of the season.
Fact is, this is the right move. Brossoit is the goalie of the future and he needs to handle the starting role in Bakersfield down the stretch. He’ll play a lot down there and play meaningful games. Nilsson, on the other, is a veteran who will likely have his fate as an Oiler sealed here in the next two months.
Gryba Out:
Eric Gryba was an appealing piece to move at the deadline. He’s a solid third pairing defender who plays a shut-down style and he’s a veteran. A trade will not be happening now, as Gryba injured his knee on Tuesday night. Todd McLellan said it’s a long term injury on Wednesday after practice, adding it’ll be at least a month.
It’s a tough break for Gryba, who has actually filled his role quite well this season. I’d like to see him back as a third pairing option next season, and this injury might actually seal that fate. I think McLellan likes him and he’s no doubt a Chiarelli type player.
It’s too bad, however, because the Oilers poor defense just got worse. I’d imagine that Griffin Reinhart gets an extended look now on the blue line.
Regardless, that’s one less asset that the Oilers have to move on February 29th. Teddy Purcell and Justin Schultz become the two guys likely to be moved now, with Mark Fayne an unlikely possibility.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
