There’s a new addition to the Vegas Golden Knights’ list of players under NHL contract, but likely not as big a splash as some fans hope for right now. The team has signed veteran defenseman Derrick Pouliot to a one-year NHL deal after he spent the first part of the 2021-22 season on an AHL deal with their affiliate in Henderson.
Per CapFriendly, Pouliot’s two-way deal pays him a $750,000 salary at the NHL level and a $350,000 salary at the AHL level.
Pouliot, the eighth overall selection in 2012 by Pittsburgh, hasn’t been an NHL regular since 2018-19 with the Vancouver Canucks. He does have over 200 games of NHL experience, though, and the Knights likely hope a combination of that and his offensively-minded game can provide a limited boost to their defense core, which just hasn’t jived well this season.
This is his first year in the Golden Knights organization.
Additionally, the team also sent down Brayden Pachal back to Henderson, giving Daniil Miromanov another call-up in his place. They also activated forwards Mattias Janmark and Brett Howden from injured reserve, allowing for them to return to the lineup tonight.
Filip Forsberg was right there.
As was Trouba. FF was a bigger need, but unfortunately Shero was obsessed with PMD and took Pouliot. Hertl, Teraveinen & NHL All Star/Fan Favorite Tom Wilson also went between Pouliot & Maatta.
But where would the fun in that be…if the Pens drafted Forsberg how could we continue to mock the Capitals for trading him for Martin Erat?!?
Will Howden actually help them in any way?