Puempel must show Ottawa Senators coach Boucher he can keep up with the pace
OTTAWA — If Matt Puempel wants to play for Guy Boucher, he’ll have to prove to the Ottawa Senators new head coach he can keep up with the pace.
Puempel, taken No. 24 in the 2011 NHL draft, is one of several “bubble” players Boucher is looking at closely. The 23-year-old forward has been getting a lot of game time so far this pre-season.
“We like what we see,” said Boucher. “Right now, for me, what’s important is: can the guys keep up the pace at an NHL level?
“The more we move on, the more there’s NHL players in the lineup so you’re playing against better players and can you maintain the pace you need? He’s done well, but like all the young guys, you want to be better defensively.”