7th year goaltender Kevin Poulin(90) makes one of the odder career decisions on record agreeing to guard the cage for Laval Predateurs of the LNAH for at least the moment.
After 5 years in New York Islanders‘ system playing NHL games in each of his seasons with the team.
The 6’2″ 206 lbs. net minder’s most outstanding effort had to be in the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, when he appeared in 2 games to put out the fire posting a 1.15 GAA and .933 SV%.
The follow-up season he would play in a career high 28 big league games with a just ok 3.29 GAA and .891 SV%.
He would still merit 1-year extensions and he was able to score three from his draft team but as he was to be reassigned once again to affiliate Bridgeport Sound Tigers, where he was between the pipes for 150+ contests, and maybe as a bit of a good sign to restart his career Tampa Bay Lightning picked him up on waivers.
Big problem though, they were basically all set with goalies and come November, he was traded to Calgary Flames and spent the entire season in the minors with Stockton Heat.
His AHL numbers were fairly decent on a non-playoff squad but he was left unqualified for the first time heading into 2016/2017.
Maybe he’s decided on the short term to continue close to his Montreal birthplace before taking his next step.
It would be surprising to see him stick here for too long.
10/27: Poulin signs for the remainder of 2016/2017 with Barys Astana of the KHL.
Cameron Talbot(33) & Kevin Poulin(38)
Connecticut Whale & Bridgeport Sound Tigers‘ goaltenders Cameron Talbot(33) and Kevin Poulin(38) shake hands at the conclusion of the round 1 AHL Calder Cup Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
The Whale took the best-of-five in 3 straight to move on to the Semi-Finals.
The two net minders seemed cordial enough with one another at the end of the series ritual but we were looking to see if there may have been more of a nod from Poulin to Talbot for the two away game shutouts he posted to start the sweep.
Maybe it was more of a subtle verbal gesture than we were able to pick up on.
Kevin Poulin(38) New York Islanders/Bridgeport Sound Tigers
After seeing him play in the preseason rookies’ game vs. Boston Bruins way back in September, Kevin Poulin(38) showed signs that he would become the future of the New York Islanders‘ goaltending.
In his rookie season, where he wasn’t even deemed as NHL ready, he is putting up some impressive stats in 8 appearances and I wouldn’t be surprised if he avoids a ferry ride back from Long Island to Bridgeport.
Kevin Poulin(38) Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Say “hello” to the future end of the Islanders‘ goaltending woes, 5th round draft pick in 2008, Kevin Poulin(38), who played 4 seasons of major junior with Victoriaville Tigres.