Pouliot vs Schultz

[Luffy D Monkey]

This was posted about Pouliot on Fantrax the other day:

"The Penguins are encouraged by Pouliot's summer conditioning, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports. "He's had the best summer of any player on our team," GM Jim Rutherford said. "It's a huge difference from where he was last year at this time. I expect Derrick to make a big jump. I truly do. He's in a great position right now. He's so talented. You're going to see a different player this year, I'm telling you."

Analysis: Pouliot, a first-round draft pick in 2012, has been something of an organizational disappointment so far. He's had issues stemming from nightclub incidents and his hockey focus has been questioned. His biggest supporter, former Pens coach Mike Johnston, sent him to the AHL prior to the start of last season, even though Johnston coached Pouliot in junior hockey. The defender has ample offensive talent -- he's totaled 47 points in 68 AHL contests -- but improved attention to defensive detail is needed to secure his future in Pittsburgh."

I own Justin Schultz and Pouliot but I need to choose between the two of them before the season begins. Which will be better this season for points only?

[pmorrow]

This season I'm probably still going with Schultz...that quote looks good but the way is still blocked for Pouliot I think, whereas Schultz seems to have settled into a role in Pittsburgh.

[stevegamer]

A player is in the best shape of his life entering training camp? I am shocked, shocked I tell you! That's pretty much puffery.

I'd stick with Schultz unless you see something actually going on in camp/preseason.

[Sulla]

I don't think Pitts could be any more down on Pouliot the last 18 months so it's great to hear these quotes but I do feel they will let him down and he won't 'quite' make the opening night roster. Long term I prefer him but if it's to help me this year then I take Schultz

[Noriculous]

The "safe" Schultz or take a gamble on Pouliot. If Derrickis really going to be a "different player" then the question I would ask myself is can I afford not to take Pouliot.

By taking Pouliot, the worse that will happen is to lose Schultz. By taking Schultz, you can miss out on much more.

Anyway, not sure if you get my idea. Îd take Pouliot.

[lucafen4]

Hmm.. an organization pumping the tires of a former 1st round pick? Seems odd no? heh.

8mths ago the world was against Schultz with their fingers crossed he could salvage his career outside of Edm. He has salvaged it, but has he done anything beyond that?

If you drop Pouliot, what are the odds of re-drafting him or resigning him? probably a lot less than dropping Schultz. The prize of the two is Pouliot.

I take the upside of Pouliot here. His path is really only blocked by himself. If his conditioning translates into mental desire and play on the ice - he'll remove the blockages. Schultz is a 3rd pair Dmen.

[audiopile]

I own Justin Schultz and Pouliot but I need to choose between the two of them before the season begins. Which will be better this season for points only?

I was in the same predicament when I had to choose my keepers. I gambled on DP for the longer term but I'd want JS for points this year.

[sharpp87]

Even if Shultz gets maybe a few more points I would keep Derick Pouliot and hope.

Player of J. Schultz caliber are easy to find by trade or draft... We still sont know what kind of Pouliot we will see but I like his potential.

[RizzeeDizzee]

I'm down on both - give me option c

[Noriculous]

I'm down on both - give me option c

But he said he needs to pick one.

[RizzeeDizzee]

But he said he needs to pick one.

In that case, flip a coin and prepare to grab one of what will likely be several better choices via the draft or free agent pick-up.

[Luffy D Monkey]

In that case, flip a coin and prepare to grab one of what will likely be several better choices via the draft or free agent pick-up.

Fair enough, would you consider Matheson or Bealieau to be an upgrade for this season?

[Eskimo Brother]

I would take Matheson over those options.

- - - Updated - - -

Should be about even for the season, but more upside.

[RizzeeDizzee]

Fair enough, would you consider Matheson or Bealieau to be an upgrade for this season?

I think there's a better than 50% chance either one of them will end up as an upgrade over the better of Pouliot and Schultz.