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Benoit Pouliot Megathread

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http://www.mc79hockey.com/?p=6873

I bring this up because I was thinking about Benoit Pouliot today. Cam Charron wrote about him last summer in the context of him being someone that the Leafs should acquire. The Leafs did not and the Rangers picked him up. He’s been a third liner on their team but he has a killer Corsi% Rel, particularly when you take into account what guys playing 11.15 5v5 minutes generally do.

As Charron laid out, this isn’t unusual for Pouliot. It’s bizarre to me that he keeps bouncing around and making teams better and then not getting much of a contract. He’s currently on a one year deal at $1.3MM in New York and available again this summer. The Rangers are probably the favourites to come out of the Metro Division, in large part because the bottom end of Pittsburgh is a wasteland. I assume that there’s something irritating about Pouliot – sideburns or something – but whatever it is, it’s hard to imagine it being more important than the fact that he seems like an awfully useful bottom of the roster type who hasn’t seemed to require a lot in terms of money or term.
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TrueBlue9 said:
If you remember the early part of the season he was absolutely abysmal. Took terrible penalties, went offsides at inopportune times, didn't hustle back on defense. Alain was incredibly patient with Pouliot. Most coaches, Torts especially would have scratched or sent him down.
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If AV would have sent him down that would have been a ridiculously short-sighted move.
 
TrueBlue9 said:
If you remember the early part of the season he was absolutely abysmal. Took terrible penalties, went offsides at inopportune times, didn't hustle back on defense. Alain was incredibly patient with Pouliot. Most coaches, Torts especially would have scratched or sent him down.
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Absolutely.

It's been the tale of 2 seasons for Pouliot. Some of the worst hockey of his career followed by the best. I'd resign him in a heartbeat; he's been fantastic for a large portion of the season. He plays this way over 82 games and I think you're looking at a 45 point guy who sticks up for his teammates, busts his ass every shift and plays a good possession game. Sign me up.
 
Great third liner and good on 5v5 and PP. Absolutely bring him back. Give him a two year deal.
 
Hopefully he'll sign like a two years, $2M per contract. Would love to bring him back and maybe move Hags in a package for another top-6 LW to compliment Kreider.
 
BrianBoyle said:
Hopefully he'll sign like a two years, $2M per contract. Would love to bring him back and maybe move Hags in a package for another top-6 LW to compliment Kreider.
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How do you feel about Skinner? I think he'd be a nice addition. Doesn't help our size though....would be a pretty small top 6.

Edit: I've always been interested in Boedker, amazing speed.
 
Emptyvoid said:
What do you feel about Skinner? I think he'd be a nice addition. Doesn't help our size though....would be a pretty small top 6.
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Does give us a sniper, though, and I think we lack that more than size.

Not a fan of his contract and injury history, though.
 
This is the best overall Pouliot has ever played in the NHL. If he can play consistently at, or near, the top of his game he's a good depth scorer. I'd bring him back. Good size. Adds some physicality. Still young.
 
NYR Viper said:
This is the best overall Pouliot has ever played in the NHL. If he can play consistently at, or near, the top of his game he's a good depth scorer. I'd bring him back. Good size. Adds some physicality. Still young.
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Hey I have to give him credit where credit it due. He was absolute dog **** the first 35 games, but since then he simplified his game, has gone to the dirty areas every shift in the offensive zone, finishes his checks, and stays active in the slot buying room for his linemates.

Defensively he's back checked hard, and did his job. Earlier this year he played cute, made a lot of euroleague plays that don't work on the smaller rink, but since he's simplified his game, he's played a lot better.

You see his skill with the puck on his stick, but Benoit unfortunately doesn't have the physical strength to play that skilled power forward game where he can beat guys and power through, he has to get by on his wits and hard work.

He's done that pretty much every shift since mid December, and has earned himself an extension in my eyes since he's kept it up. 2 years, sub $2M. The game against CLB changed my mind about him, he did something that was outside of his role because Twigy wouldn't, and that earned him respect in my book.
 
Pouliot has been a great third liner and needs to be re-signed. He is one reclamation project that worked out. Unless he wants a crazy amount, it is not even a close call to resign him.
 
Pouliot needs to be brought back... strong player in all facets of the game, just wish he'd use that wonderful shot of his more often.

I would be willing to give him up to $2.5 per for 2 or 3 years.
 
Pouliot is the perfect 3rd liner, jack of all trade master of none. Although much like Brassard I'm surprised his production isn't as good as could be. Brassard is an even bigger enigma, one of the most talented players on the team.
 
Definitely bring Pouliot back, assuming the price is right. He's a good depth player, and can play on a higher line in a pinch without looking out of place.
 
Beacon said:
Pouliot has been a great third liner and needs to be re-signed. He is one reclamation project that worked out. Unless he wants a crazy amount, it is not even a close call to resign him.
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One of those reclamation projects that's producing at the pace he has for the last 3 seasons.
 
SnowblindNYR said:
Pouliot is the perfect 3rd liner, jack of all trade master of none. Although much like Brassard I'm surprised his production isn't as good as could be. Brassard is an even bigger enigma, one of the most talented players on the team.
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You know, everyone has always said how inconsistent Brassard is but I think he's been one of our most consistent players this year. No really long hot or cold streaks and has a career high in goals. Our third line has been pretty great and reliable. It's easy to see that the three of them have chemistry and enjoy playing together. We gotta bring Poo back as long as the contract is reasonable.
 
Affinity said:
You know, everyone has always said how inconsistent Brassard is but I think he's been one of our most consistent players this year. No really long hot or cold streaks and has a career high in goals. Our third line has been pretty great and reliable. It's easy to see that the three of them have chemistry and enjoy playing together. We gotta bring Poo back as long as the contract is reasonable.
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I just feel like Brassard looks at times like Zucc with a better shot. The guy has the talent and vision to be a 60 point player meanwhile he seems to be a 40+ point player.
 
what would be the highest amount of dollars/ term you guys would give him?

$2.5per/3 years too much? -- just curious. He has been underpaid throughout his career and I could see him asking for that (or even getting that elsewhere).
 
TrueBlue9 said:
If you remember the early part of the season he was absolutely abysmal. Took terrible penalties, went offsides at inopportune times, didn't hustle back on defense. Alain was incredibly patient with Pouliot. Most coaches, Torts especially would have scratched or sent him down.
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I actually thought he played pretty well in October (at least in comparison to everyone else on the ice who flat out sucked.) It seemed like he developed Chris Higgins syndrome where he just couldn't score at all even with prime chances which is why his stats were horrid. Funny thing is once the team finally started to play decent in November, his game went to complete **** with the homestand in December being rock bottom for him. Ever since then though, he's been great.
 
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