After a long story, an ending is finally here… Sort of. The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Jesse Puljujarvi to a two-year deal that will have him signed through the 2021-22 season. It has a value of 1.175 per season.
Jesse Puljujarvi Signs
The Oilers and Puljujarvi have not been on the same page for a while now. There has been lots of drama surrounding these two parties for a few seasons at this point. Rumours of Puljujarvi feeling injuries were not treated correctly, development wasn’t right, and Edmonton simply not being satisfied with his production, attitude and play. However, that appears to be all over now.
Puljujarvi has been playing with Oulun Karpat in SM-Liga this season. He has really seemed to have gained some confidence back as he is almost a point-per-game player in that league. Yes, it isn’t the strongest of leagues but that is still impressive. Jesse Puljujarvi has 17 goals and 20 assists for 37 points in 139 NHL games so far. He also has 40 penalty minutes. Edmonton originally drafted him 4th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. They had high hopes but things just haven’t panned out.
Moving Forward
Puljujarvi will be looking for a new start with Edmonton. He is a guy who is still only 22-years-old and has potential. However, he will need to bring it each and every day to show he belongs in the NHL. He has a scoring touch and if developed correctly, could become a very solid offensive player in the NHL down the line.
It is a calculated risk but given the skill, it seems like it is at least a smart bet to make. It will be very interesting to see if Puljujarvi can show Edmonton they were wrong. Edmonton could use a depth winger who can score. Or, even better, a very skilled one who can play alongside McDavid. Either way, Puljujarvi should be super motivated to show he belongs when he returns to Edmonton.
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