Even with interest from the KHL, Jesse Puljujarvi seems focused on playing in the NHL next season. Where he’ll do that though is still up in the air, as several reports have come out explaining that a trade may be the best outcome. Now the player himself admits that is a strong possibility, as Puljujarvi spoke to Finnish outlet Iltalehti and explained he may be wearing a different jersey next year. He also revealed that he’s back skating after the hip surgery that ended his 2018-19 season prematurely.
Puljujarvi, 21, was the Oilers’ top pick in 2016 going fourth overall after Auston Matthews, Patrik Laine and Pierre-Luc Dubois. Unfortunately he hasn’t quite worked out like that impressive trio, and has just 37 points through 139 NHL games. Now as he heads into the offseason without a contract—his entry-level deal is set to expire and make him a restricted free agent—his future in the league is up in the air. Puljujarvi will not be waiver-exempt next season, meaning wherever he does land will have to at least give him a shot at the highest level. That likely makes a trade more difficult, as he hasn’t shown to this point an ability to produce at either end of the rink in the NHL.
- Despite a long playoff run with the Toronto Marlies, Josh Jooris won’t be re-signing in North America. The veteran forward has inked a three-year contract with Lausanne HC in Switzerland. Jooris, 28, scored 55 points in his 213-game NHL career including an impressive rookie season with the Calgary Flames, but will take his talents overseas. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent after his one-year, $650K contract with the Maple Leafs expired this summer.
- Not only did Kunlun Red Star confirm that Andrej Sustr will be heading to the KHL next season, but also that Anaheim Ducks prospect Trevor Murphy has signed a two-year deal. The 23-year old Murphy was acquired by the Ducks last December and played 37 games for the San Diego Gulls this season, registering 18 points. An undrafted defenseman, he made his NHL debut with the Arizona Coyotes in 2017-18 and had three points in eight games. Set to be a restricted free agent this summer, the Ducks can retain his exclusive negotiating rights by issuing him a qualifying offer.
you know its bad when even the oilers dont want you
I feel like he’ll be Dylan Strome 2.0 and go on a tear with whoever acquires him. Really wish Chirelli was still at the helm, I’d love to see a Ceci swap.
How do the Oilers continually get too 5 selections and screw them up?
^wut
I think it’s the other way around.
Maybe trade him to Islanders for Josh Ho Sang. don’t think Sens want Puljujarvi , would have to sweeten pot with Ceci’s contract , give us Ethan Bear in deal ,
And you are on the cheap.
Ho Sang is a bust