The Pittsburgh Penguins select Derrick Pouliot with the 8th overall selection. 

Here’s the skinny on Pouliot:

Pouliot is another slick, puck-moving defenseman who loves to start the breakout with his great outlet game. Pouliot is a strong skating defenseman with a smooth, powerful stride and isn’t afraid to rely on his skills to move the puck up ice. He displays a wide skating stride, is strong on his skates and has ability to get back into play if he pinches into the zone for a chance. He possesses the ability to log heavy minutes and not wear down from fatigue. He plays a pro-style game in Portland, controlling the pace of the game with his patience and poise. He plays a calm game and doesn’t typically panic with the puck. He isn’t overly physical, but can take the body. He has a bit of cockiness to him, but not in a bad way. He is good with the puck, sees the ice well and makes good consistent tape-to-tape passes. An elite playmaker with smooth hands and the ability to finish on the rush as well, Pouliot has a good shot that is accurate but not overly heavy. He tends to jump up into the play very often and likes to get involved on the offensive side of things.

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Here’s what one of our scouts had to say:

“Pouliot is a very good skating offensive defenseman. He is an elite passer with great hands and the ability to finish on the rush. He can control the pace of the game with his patience and poise. He needs to work on the defensive side of the game and become a better player without the puck.”