Despite the outcome, Pouliot produced 17 points in 22 games during the playoffs. The final Central Scouting rankings placed him as the 12th-ranked North American skater. The draft host Pittsburgh Penguins selected Pouliot with the eighth overall selection, which they had obtained from the Carolina Hurricanes in the Jordan Staal trade when Pittsburgh had their own first-round selection at 22nd overall (Olli Määttä). Less than one week later, Pouliot was invited to Canada's National Development Camp, the first stepping stone in joining the 2013 WJC roster. A few months later, Pouliot signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Pittsburgh just a few days before the 2012–13 NHL lockout was to begin.