Penguins' Sam Poulin to return from mental health absence
Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Sam Poulin is ready to return from an absence he offered more information about on Wednesday.
"Three months ago, I made a decision to take a break from hockey and return home to take care of myself and my mental health," Poulin wrote in a statement he shared on Instagram, per Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The 22-year-old forward confirmed he is now ready to rejoin the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Pittsburgh's American Hockey League affiliate.
"I want to thank everyone who helped get me through this difficult time, including my family, my girlfriend, my friends, my medical team, the entire Pittsburgh Penguins organization, my teammates, and the fans, who showed unconditional love and support," Poulin continued. "I strongly encourage everyone to speak openly about mental health because it affects us all. For those who may be struggling, please know you are not alone."
Back on Dec. 7, Penguins general manager Ron Hextall merely said in a brief statement that Poulin was stepping back "to take time away from hockey to focus on himself." The club also asked for privacy regarding the matter at that time as Poulin returned home to his family in Quebec.
Pittsburgh drafted Poulin 21st overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, and he made his league debut this past October. As noted by Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Poulin registered one assist over three NHL games before he was demoted back to the AHL on what was hoped to be only a temporary basis.
In total, Poulin has played in 13 games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this AHL season. He had four goals, no assists and a minus-1 rating before he took his leave of absence.
Poulin's playing status beyond Wednesday's development is understandably up in the air. Without his services, the Penguins are holding onto the top wild-card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Pittsburgh began Wednesday with 78 points, two ahead of the New York Islanders and five up on the Florida Panthers.
The Penguins next play at the New York Rangers (86 points, third in the Metropolitan) on Thursday night. Those two clubs will face off again at Madison Square Garden on Saturday evening.
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