Penguins 1st-rounder Sam Poulin takes leave of absence from team

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced Wednesday that Sam Poulin has asked for and been granted a leave of absence from the team.

"The Penguins support Sam's decision to take time away from hockey to focus on himself," said Pittsburgh GM Ron Hextall. "As with all of our players, our priority is them as individuals first. We look forward to having him back with the team when he is ready."

No specific reason for the leave has been given. The Penguins say Poulin will return home to Quebec and continue his workouts on and off the ice.

The 21-year-old forward was drafted 21st overall by Pittsburgh in 2019. He's played three games in the NHL so far in his career, with all of them coming this season. He has one assist. Puolin has spent the rest of his pro career so far with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL.

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