Pittsburgh Penguins: Top 10 prospects entering 2019

VANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 21: Samuel Poulin poses for a photo onstage after being selected twenty-one overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images /

5. Pierre-Olivier Joseph

Acquired: Phil Kessel trade (2017 first-round pick of the Coyotes)

Age: 20

Position: Defensemen

Stats: 27 games, 7 goals, 18 assists, 25 points (Charlottetown Islanders, QMJHL); 35 games, 2 goals, 20 assists, 22 points; 16 postseason games, 2 goals, 7 assists, 9 points (Drummondville Voltigeurs, QMJHL)

Pierre-Olivier Joseph has impressive physical tools. He’s a very mobile skater who can push the puck up the ice. Furthermore, Joseph has experience playing during all situations. His offensive production, while not stellar, is still quite solid. Joseph has also demonstrated strong leadership abilities.

However, his hockey IQ isn’t great. Joseph hasn’t figured out how to use his physical tools to the best of his ability. His production hasn’t quite added up to what it should be at this point. Joseph also lacks strength (he’s just 161 pounds) and, though he’s mobile, his stride is a bit too high-energy for me. Gaining some muscle mass could help.

Joseph will likely max out as a good third-pairing defenseman. His tools are impressive, but he has yet to show he knows how to use them. However, the Penguins have had success getting the most out of defensemen similar to Joseph. He’s got the tools to have success, he just needs to figure out how to use them. I think the Penguins can help him with that.

The 2019-20 season will be an important one for him.

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