Pulock Poised For Big Year

Over 30 years later, Barry Trotz can still remember scouting Dave Pulock.
This was back in the mid 1980s, when Trotz was coaching in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. He made a pitch, but didn't land Pulock and maybe that's why he remembers him - one of the ones that got away.
"A real solid, underrated defenseman," Trotz recalled. "Was really strong and can play against anybody, but a lot of people didn't know who he was."
A pause.
"That sort of sounds like Ryan."

Trotz was referring to Ryan Pulock, the Islanders 23-year-old defenseman with the rocket shot and a bright future. Thirty years after scouting the papa Pulock, the Islanders coach is evaluating his son and looking to help him build off a breakout year in 2017-18.
"We met and talked about where I think he can go," Trotz said. "He's shown in camp and through his preseason game that he's a guy that can keep growing and take on more responsibility."

Last season Pulock led all rookie defensemen with 10 goals and ultimately finished the year with 32 points in 68 games. That included a a five-point night in Chicago - an Isles rookie record - which served as a springboard for a dominant second half. In the final 27 games of the season, Pulock had 20 points and earned a spot with Team Canada at the IIHF World Hockey Championships.
"I felt pretty good about my game in the final few months and am looking to build off that," Pulock said. "With the new structure and new defensive style it can only help myself in the defensive aspect. I'm going to continue to try and bring the offense and get up in the play and use my shot as much as I can."
It took Pulock several seasons to establish a firm footing in the NHL. After a promising finish to the 2015-16 season, which included an effective playoff performance, Pulock got hurt in his 2016-17 season debut and spent the year in Bridgeport. Last year he was in and out of the lineup to start the season and didn't make his debut until Oct. 19.
But this year feels different for Pulock, who is coming into camp with confidence after a full, productive season and a new two-year deal. After fighting for roster spots at the past few training camps, he's got his sights set on expanding his role, rather than jostling for one.
"I was looking to come in here and try to prove that I can fill that role of playing in all situations, playing against other teams' top lines," Pulock said.
"I was a fairly high pick, so they're picking me and expecting me to be that guy," Pulock added. "This is my time to take that. I've been in the organization for four years now, so it's at the time where I have to grab the reins on that and take it. I feel like I can do that. I think it's going to be in my hands to perform."

He's established a nice rapport with Thomas Hickey, who also signed a new deal with the team over the summer. While defensive pairings are far from set, having his heady, responsible partner back in the fold only adds to Pulock's comfort level. Hickey said the sky is the limit for Pulock.
"I think he's got 'top-pairing defenseman' written all over him," said Hickey. "It's been a process and you can see the learning curve and how much better he got over the last 40 games of last year. If he continues that trend he's going to be one of our best players."
Pulock met Trotz for the first time this summer when the coach stopped over in Brandon, MB - Pulock's offseason home - en route to Dauphin for his day with the Stanley Cup. They grabbed a coffee and talked about Pulock's potential for this season and a little about the family lineage.
The two things Trotz has learned since: the velocity on the famed slap shot is better than advertised and he's inherited a quality person, as well as a quality player.
"I like what I see. He comes from a really solid background," said Trotz, who has put a premium on character in his short time with the Isles. "Sort of like his dad, he's a guy who is really strong and can shoot the puck and is very respectful. Knowing his dad and parents and where he comes from, he's got a lot of those qualities I expect."