Derick Pouliot Embracing the Evolution of a Veteran Defenseman

Experience changes a player. For veteran defenseman Derick Pouliot, it has reshaped not only his game but his perspective.

Now firmly in the veteran stage of his career, Pouliot understands that development doesn’t stop once you reach the professional level — it simply shifts. “I think you learn every year, and you try to just work on things that you need to. For me, I came into the league as a pretty good offensive defenseman. So, obviously, that means you have to try and improve defensively and kind of round out your game a little bit. So, I think you just learn little things each year and go from there.”

That evolution has been intentional. Early in his career, Pouliot’s offensive instincts defined him — his ability to move the puck and contribute in transition stood out. As the years passed, he recognized that longevity on the blue line requires more than one dimension. “I think you have to do a lot more than just defend,” he explained. “You gotta move puck well, get it up to the forwards, and lots of times be relied on to create offenses as well. So, you know, it's more than just keeping the puck out of your net. Obviously, that's priority number one, but there's a lot more to it.”

Photo Credit: Hartford Wolfpack

The modern defenseman is expected to be versatile — steady in his own zone, quick in transition, and capable of supporting the attack. Pouliot has embraced that balance, understanding that refining the details is what keeps a player valuable. Growth isn’t purely about systems or skill. It’s about professionalism. “You have to be a pro every day, come to the rink, and do your job,” he said. “We’re paid a lot of money to come here and play games, so I think just coming every day and learning how to be a pro is the biggest thing.”

That mindset has taken on added importance as his role in the locker room has evolved. Once the young player looking for guidance, Pouliot now finds himself offering it. “You kind of transition into being a veteran and older guys, so we kind of help the young guys a little more,” he said. “You know, as the older guys helped me when I was younger.”

Having played on multiple teams over the past several seasons, Pouliot has gained the perspective that only time and movement can provide. “The last four or five years now, just as I've gotten a little older, played more games, been on a lot of different teams,” he said. “You'll see a lot of players, you get to learn from a lot of different people, you try to take what other people do well and apply it to yourself.”

That accumulation of lessons has shaped not only his physical preparation, but his mental approach — an area he believes is often underestimated. “It's more mental than it is physical,” Pouliot said. “Obviously, you have to be in good shape. Be able to skate, how the game is now. But, you know, to be able to do it every day and the same thing every day. Take days off. Definitely takes a certain level of resiliency that isn't just physical. It's something that you just learn as you go through, and the years go by.”

Resiliency. Consistency. Adaptability. Those are the traits that extend careers. And if Pouliot has advice for the next generation chasing the same dream, it’s surprisingly simple. “Enjoy being young, and do other things,” he said. “Obviously, if you love hockey, then stick with it, but don't get burnt out too early, so you can have a long career, and have a lot of fun, but you gotta enjoy it.”

For a player who once entered the league defined by offensive upside, the evolution into a well-rounded, mentally resilient veteran has come through steady refinement and lived experience.

The game hasn’t changed his love for it. If anything, it’s deepened his understanding of what it truly takes to last.

- Samantha Wismer/Olde City Sports Network

- Photo Credit: Hartford Wolfpack