Capable of playing at either the wing or at centre, Poirier is a fast skater, though he says his style is "not pretty". Describing his playing style, Poirier stated: "I love to play hard. I compete, got to the net hard and fight a little bit, too. I want to bring energy." He was invited to attend summer camp for the Canadian national junior team ahead of the 2014 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. At the draft, Poirier was selected in the first round by the Calgary Flames, 22nd overall.