Pacific Notes: Puljujarvi, Versteeg, Terry

Edmonton’s team needs are well known and chief among them is a winger that can play with Connor McDavid.  The Oilers were hoping that 2016 fourth-overall selection Jesse Puljujarvi would fit into that role but he has yet to establish himself in his first two seasons in North America.  Accordingly, some wondered if the team might have been willing to part with him before the trade deadline in an effort to get someone who is a better fit (or fits another area of need).  However, TSN’s Darren Dreger noted in an appearance on TSN 1260 (audio link) that the team is far from ready to give up on him and made him unavailable for the deadline but wonders if they may have to re-evaluate that thought in the summer.  The Finnish winger has 18 points (11-7-18) in 50 games this season and will be eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1st.

More from the Pacific:

• The Flames are likely to get a boost to their forward unit in the coming days. Head coach Glen Gulutzan told reporters, including Sportsnet 960’s Pat Steinberg (Twitter link) that winger Kris Versteeg should be able to return to the lineup this coming week after he gets a few practices under his belt.  The veteran has been out with a hip issue since late November and may be able to give Calgary’s power play a lift as five of his eight points on the season (in 22 games) have come with the man advantage.
• The Ducks are likely to aggressively try to convince prospect Troy Terry to sign following his college season and forego his senior year, notes Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register. Neither the team nor Terry’s advisor Kurt Overhardt would comment on the status of any potential negotiations.  A fifth-round pick of Anaheim in 2015, the 20-year-old center is in his third year at the University of Denver and has put up 37 points in 32 games this season.