Pouliot joins a left-wing depth chart that previously had Evander Kane, Matt Moulson and Nicolas Deslauriers as the only three returning NHL regulars for next season. Justin Bailey, who played a career-high 32 games at age 21 for the Sabres last season, has also seen time on the left side.
Buffalo can also slide Zemgus Girgensons to the left wing and use Johan Larsson and Evan Rodrigues as the third and fourth-line centers, although it remains to be seen whether Girgensons will be viewed primarily as a center or a wing player under new coach Phil Housley.
Pouliot said he sees himself as a fit on any of Buffalo's top three lines, particularly with Housley's fast-paced system. He also saw time on special teams last season, averaging 1:21 of shorthanded ice time per game and 51 seconds on the power-play.
"For me, it's mostly about speed and forecheck and putting pressure eon the D, turning pucks over," he said. "Last year I had my fair share of penalty killing, which I've never had before which was really good for me personally and as a team.
"Last year was a tough year overall and everything, but I can put the puck in the net, I can play in different situations with different players, so it's good."