The fourth overall pick from 2016 is still without a contract for the 2019-20 season. Jesse Puljujarvi has made it clear he wants a fresh start somewhere other than with the Edmonton Oilers and is willing to wait for that opportunity. Today Finnish outlet MTV Uutiset reports (via Google translate) that if Puljujarvi can’t find a deal in the NHL he will play for Karpat this season. According to his agent Markus Lehto, several NHL clubs have expressed interest but he would not speculate on whether a trade will actually happen.
Puljujarvi has ties to Karpat going back years, as he was developed in their junior system and played two seasons for the Liiga club before joining Edmonton. Playing there likely wouldn’t be as financially rewarding, but it could get the 21-year old back onto a solid development path. That has to be the biggest worry for any interested NHL clubs right now. Puljujarvi hasn’t shown enough to indicate he’s ready for full-time NHL action, but he also can’t go to the minor leagues without first clearing waivers. There’s no way anyone wants to give up something of value just to risk him to the entire league afterwards, meaning the offers for the young forward are likely underwhelming for Oilers GM Ken Holland.
In fact, letting him play in Finland for a year may not actually be the worst course of action for the Oilers. While he won’t be helping their club try to get back to the playoffs, he may be able to build up a little more value by having a solid season. He’s already shown in the past that he can compete at the Liiga level, and he’s still young enough that playing overseas wouldn’t get him a year closer to unrestricted free agency.
There is of course always a chance that he ends up signing with Edmonton after this game of chicken ends. If that happens, it will be extremely interesting to see if new head coach Dave Tippett can turn around his career or if the bridges have already been burned to the ground through this holdout.
I still think Kreider + a controllable young asset or 2nd round pick is all the Oilers should and could hope for. I feel like it’s a good fit for both clubs. Kreider could thrive with McDavid and the Rangers need to clear cap space and are still technically rebuilding.
Even if the Rangers ate 1/2 of his $4.625MM (a must), he still has the Modified NTC possibly in the way. And, because of the sizable salary imbalance between the two, I’d expect the Rangers to be the ones asking for more to sweeten the deal. Puljujarvi needs to take his sticks & pucks and stay home for a year to grow a better attitude. Good idea on paper, though, I’ll give you that.
You must be an Edmonton fan! The oilers would have to include draft picks with Pulujarvi for Kreider alone.
Thanks Mac, getting older and slower today as it is my Birthday , I was looking up info you just indicated , as Puljujarvi only had cap hit of $925,000 compared to Kreider’s $4.625 mm , so agree Edmonton would have to sweeten the pot , with Kreider’s NTC and don’t think they will eat half of salary , pot just ain’t sweet enough on prospect and 2nd rounder , but good proposal by manos.
Happy Birthday, Gerald! Celebrate near the water today! Hopefully it’s cool where you are!
@billysbballz – I did state EDM would have to sweeten it for the Rangers (“I’d expect the Rangers to be the ones asking for more to sweeten the deal”). It is a good idea on paper, just not workable (enough) for either side.
Mac, as you see in my picture icon, done took a afternoon dip in the water, at 88 with heat index of 95 on Tennessee River.
Oilers can’t afford Kreider. NYR would have to take a contract back like Russell and there is little chance that happens.
At this point i think the Oilers are hoping for a 2nd or a near ready prospect/reclamation project at the same price with the same potential. Something like a Ho-Sang without Ho-Sang’s baggage. And teams are likely offering a Ho-Sang or a 3rd and thats not enough for them at this point.
He will return to Finland for a year and either increase his value to what Ken Holland deems an acceptable return on a deal, or wind up back in Edmonton after a year away. Holland isnt Chia who sells for pennies on the dollar just to make changes.