The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed restricted free agent forward, Jesse Puljujarvi, to a one-year contract worth $3 million that carries him through the 2022-23 season. He’ll still be an RFA at the end of the contract.
Signed to Standard Contract
Jesse Puljujärvi (RW) | EDM#LetsGoOilershttps://t.co/YfOP1JJJkA— CapFriendly Transactions (@CF_Transactions) July 26, 2022
Jesse Puljujarvi Stays With Edmonton
Over his six-year NHL career, Puljujarvi has only played for the Edmonton Oilers. He has put up 46 goals and 52 assists for 98 career points in 259 career games. He was originally drafted in the first round, fourth overall of the 2016 NHL draft by the Oilers. Puljujarvi is coming off a career year in points. He finished the season with 14 goals and recorded 36 points in 65 games played. He is a restricted free agent that is on an expiring two-year, 1.75 million dollar contract. He filed for arbitration, but this new deal avoids that hearing.
What He Brings to the Table
The 24-year-old is known for his size and speed. Despite being a big player, he is still quick on his feet and is able to move the puck because of it. Puljujarvi is 6-foot, 4-inches and he has been able to use it to his advantage. His reach alone helps his puck handling skills and getting his stick on pucks along the boards, etc. This past season he had more takeaways than giveaways. He has also used his size to elevate his physical game. Last season he laid 81 hits.
Puljujarvi spent most of this past season on a line with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. This put him in a position to be a playmaker to arguably two of the best players in hockey. That experience alone will be valuable in the future. He is especially good at creating chances for his linemates in even-strength play. In the right environment, he will be able to put more pucks in the back of the net and elevate his game even more. There are big expectations for the young forward’s future.
