PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) -- The Pittsburgh Penguins made their first selection in the 2019 NHL Draft on Friday night.
With the 21st overall pick, the Penguins selected forward Samuel Poulin from the Sherbrooke Phoenix of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
"Samuel is a high-character player who is a great leader," said director of amateur scouting Patrik Allvin. "He is a good, powerful skater that plays the right way and fits the Penguins' style of hockey. He is capable of playing center or wing but he projects as a winger for us. The Penguins are thrilled to have Samuel."
GM Jim Rutherford: "We really liked Poulin. We liked this draft, and I was pretty adamant about keeping our pick. I'm glad we did." pic.twitter.com/t50v5Ylq2L
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) June 22, 2019"Just to get drafted, it's a dream come true. Since I was a little kid, I wanted to play in the NHL and get drafted. It's only the start, but it's an honor," Poulin said.
The 6-foot-1, 212 pound 18-year-old was named alternate captain during the 2018-19 season and recorded team highs in goals (29), assists (47), and points (76) in 67 regular season games. He also had the most goals and points during the team's 10 playoff games.
Sherbrooke Phoenix coach Stephane Julien on @poulin_sam: "He has an NHL shot and quick hands... He is very strong physically. Now, it's a matter of finding momentum on offense. I think he can easily be an offensive player." pic.twitter.com/puCZRlhLhk
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) June 22, 2019Poulin, a Laval, Quebec native, played for Team Canada during the 2019 Under-18 World Junior Championship, skating in all 7 games and recorded one goal and one assist.
Guess who @poulin_sam's godfather is! -- pic.twitter.com/Tcw8zKsVUB
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) June 22, 2019Samuel comes from a hockey family—his father, Patrick, was drafted ninth overall by the Hartford Whalers in the 1991 NFL Draft. He played for Hartford, Chicago, Tampa Bay and Montreal.
GM Jim Rutherford on Poulin: "He's a power forward, great character. He's a team captain at a young age. He can play center and left wing. So, we're really happy with him."More from Day 1 of the 2019 NHL Draft: https://t.co/SmHdSGRTNN pic.twitter.com/wIBMjR4dUf
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) June 22, 2019Friday's pick marked the first time the Pens have made a first-round selection since the 2014th NHL Draft when they selected Kasperi Kapanen with the 22nd overall pick.
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