I think he’s a good skater and a decent playmaker too, although obviously more of a goal scorer.
The questions are size, defense, and can it translate to higher levels where there’s less space.
I haven't seen that much of Poirier this season, and only a bit in the playoffs. But from the games I did see he seemed very tough to dislodge from around the net or when battling for the puck even at his diminutive stature, making plays through contact on a consistent basis.
So I'd say that in his case size concerns, while valid, don't hold as much sway as they would over, say, a Lane Hutson and his thin build.
Although CHL players are far from matching NHLers in size, speed, reach, and strength, I still think that Poirier could potentially find success at the highest level with a bit of tweaking to his game, and some quicker decisions with the puck on his stick given how he's seemingly relished and adaptated to a tighter-checking playoffs setting.
To add, in the couple games I saw Poirier was also really good at sneaking-in, finding open space in or near the slot, as well as lulling defenders into forgetting his presence and then coming in to the dangerous areas at the right moment to receive a pass and score. And that skillset relies mostly on timing and hockey sense, so that should translate to the NHL though adjustment will still be required of course.
I also saw Poirier score from distance quite well (his shot + release overall are borderline elite), on one-timers, and grinding it out on the corners before converging to the net and getting greasier goals. These different facets to Poirier's scoring game prove that he is a very versatile goalscorer, another translatable trait of his.
All of which to say that I'm quite high on Poirier and actually think he could be a star in the NHL if he continues improving his skating and balance, works on his play selection a bit, and commits himself even more to physical training so he handles contact better than he does now.
As far as draft positions go, I think I'd have Poirier as an early second-rounder right now but he's definitely rising in my rankings with his performance in the playoffs, so he might even make it to the tail-end of my first round before the draft happens.
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