Prospect Sam Poulin is forcing his way right into the conversation to play on the Pittsburgh Penguins NHL roster.

The Pittsburgh Penguins kicked off their preseason with split squad games against the Columbus Blue Jackets with each team collecting a win along the way.

While extra frames were needed for both games, the Penguins were led in each contest by someone fighting for a regular role on the NHL roster.

Alex Nylander showed out in the opening contest at PPG Paints Arena, and Sam Poulin left a mark on the second game at Nationwide Arena.

Poulin recorded a goal on four shots in almost 20 minutes of ice time, against a mostly starting lineup for the Blue Jackets.

The Penguins ended up dropping this game 4-3 in overtime, but Poulin made sure he was noticeable.

Poulin is entering an important season in his development, as the 22-year-old should be ready to take the leap into the NHL full time.

Even after taking some time off last year, this is Poulin’s time to take over.

His goal against the Jackets came in the closing seconds of the first period and he continued to be a force the rest of the night.

Poulin is fighting his hardest to prove he deserves a role on the Penguins’ opening night roster, and so far he’s putting himself right in the conversation.

A few days of training camp and one preseason game don’t make all of the difference, but Poulin has only gotten better every day since his performance at the Prospect Challenge.

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