Prospect Update: Coulson Pitre

By Thomas Harrington

Anaheim selected forward Coulson Pitre in the third round, 65th overall, of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He just finished his third year playing for the Flint Firebirds of the OHL and was one of the team’s alternate captains, before being named their captain in January.

Pitre played in 55 games and scored 27 goals and 55 points. He played in four fewer games than the previous season, but still set a career high in goals. He missed his career high in points by five. Pitre was named captain after the team’s former captain Zacharie Giroux was traded to the Sudbury Wolves in advance of the OHL trade deadline. He became the sixth captain in team history. Pitre finished second on the team in goals and points, while finishing fourth in assists. He played in three playoff games for Flint and scored two goals, but missed their final game and Flint was swept by London.

Pitre is a natural leader who had to deal with injuries throughout the season. He brings a high degree of energy to the ice and is a good skater. He doesn’t have elite offensive skill, but he has a nose for the net and is hard on the forecheck. Pitre needs to get stronger going forward, and could turn into an effective second or third line player someday.

Pitre will be heading to San Diego next season and will join a growing list of young players who have recently made their AHL debut or will do so next season. Even though the Gulls struggled last season, it was still exciting seeing so many recent picks make the transition to professional hockey. Pitre plays a physical brand of hockey that will hopefully translate well to the pro game.

As a first year player in the AHL, I don’t want to set expectations too high for Pitre. He’s a gifted goal scorer and playmaker, but he shouldn’t be counted on to be one of San Diego’s top point producers. That kind of production should go to the veterans on the team, or prospects playing in their second or third professional seasons. My first expectation for Pitre will be for him to play in most of San Diego’s games and get some special teams time. Second, while I don’t expect a ton of goals and points out of him, I’d be happy if he could finish with around 10 goals and 25 points.

Pitre will be one of the younger players in the AHL next season; he won’t be 20 until December. With that in mind, he’s likely two or three years away from a shot at the NHL. He should get a little extra time in the AHL to develop before being given a shot with the Ducks. So maybe we’ll see him in an Anaheim uniform in the 2026-2027 season, but it could be longer.

Pitre has already signed his three-year entry-level deal with Anaheim in April. If he plays in 10 or more games for the Ducks next season, then the contract will begin then. However, if he plays fewer than 10 games and spends the year in the AHL, then his entry-level contract won’t start for another year. When it’s over, he’ll be a restricted free agent. Assuming he’s made his NHL debut by then and developed as a player over the next few years, he should be re-signed. It’ll likely be a short term deal unless he’s really impressed in Anaheim.

The next prospect update will be on forward Kyle Kukkonen.

Related Articles:

Prospect Update: Artyom Galimov

Prospect Update: Michael Callow

Prospect Update: Nico Myatovic

Prospect Update: Rodwin Dionicio

Prospect Update: Josh Lopina

Prospect Update: Yegor Sidorov

Prospect Update: Noah Warren

Prospect Update: William Francis

Listen to our show by clicking below or visiting us at Podomatic, Rumble, Spreaker, or YouTube.

Support us by becoming a DucksNPucks patron! Members can win game tickets, Ducks gear, and more!

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

September 14th, 2024