Vancouver Canucks‘ 5th year defenseman Derrick Pouliot(5) maybe had a little scare he may need to find a new team after coming off a career campaign appearing in 71 NHL games scoring 3 goals and 19 assists.
His totals were good enough for 2nd in assists and points amongst blue liners.
Maybe a bit odd he was being left unqualified after a trade at the beginning of 2017/2018 by draft club Pittsburgh Penguins sent him west.
He was on a one-way deal that paid $800,000 and it may have been thought that he would either look for a longer term or head to arbitration for a substantial pay boost.
It took little time to settle, as he was re-upped a day later for an AAV of $1,1M under similar terms as the previous contract.
If the 24-year old can string together another successful season, then he may be able to negotiate a longer term at more money.
Derrick Pouliot (51)
Pittsburgh Penguins‘ 1st round pick in the 2012 draft (#8 overall) rookie defenseman Derrick Pouliot(51) scored his first NHL goal in his debut.
It turned out to be the game-winner and he was also named third star for his efforts.
The 6′ 208 lbs d-man was an absolute fiend for points in four years with Portland Winterhawks scoring 42 goals and 163 assists in 247 games.
He also won the 2013 WHL Championship and was named the league’s and 2014 CHL Defenseman Of The Year, while leading all blue liners through the postseason in assists with 27.
Starting the season with the parent club as he rehabbed from off season shoulder surgery, he was reassigned to affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to start his pro career.
Out of the gate quickly in his debut and before his recall in 23 AHL games he’d already struck for 7 goals and 13 assists.