The Edmonton Oilers quickly changed their tune today after forward Jesse Puljujarvi signed a one-year deal with his hometown team in Finland’s Liiga. The Oilers had been adamant that they were content to hold on to Puljujarvi, citing disappointing trade offers and a confidence that he could still be an effective member of the team. That changed after it became clear that he had no intention to play for Edmonton this season or possibly ever again. New GM Ken Holland was quick to clarify that Puljujarvi’s contract in Finland did not impact his trade value and that he could suit up in the NHL immediately if traded. Holland also took the opportunity to state that several new teams have made inquiries about Puljujarvi’s availability of late.
Interestingly, with the Oilers now seemingly focused on trading Puljujarvi, the asking price has arguably increased, despite underwhelming offers to this point. Previously reported as being an established third-line forward, TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reports that Edmonton is now seeking a prospect with top-nine upside as well as a draft pick as their preferred return for Puljujarvi. He adds that an established player may still be a suitable return, but he would have to have term remaining on his contract beyond this coming season.
If the Oilers had struggled to this point to get a fair offer in their eyes for a player they weren’t shopping, it does seem odd that they feel they can increase the asking price when their priority seems to have shifted to moving Puljujarvi. Of course, some may feel that the asking price is of the same quality of lower, considering “third-line forwards” such as Pittsburgh’s Bryan Rust and Boston’s Charlie Coyle have been among rumored targets of the Oilers, either of whom could draw a first-round pick and top-nine prospect from a contender in need. Either way, Rishaug’s report of a changing asking price at least confirms that the mindset has changed in Edmonton and the team is more focused than ever on parting ways with Puljujarvi, even if they continue to maintain that they will only do so on their terms.
Rangers are the ideal team for Puljujarvi but he’s been a bust so far and I wouldn’t offer the oilers anything close to asking price. Rangers have a ton of defense prospect depth and a very strong farm right now. Here’s an idea for a trade:
Rangers send Yegor Rykov a top 10 .org prospect, Namestnikov, and Alexander Georgiev. Rangers free up cap space with Namestnikov and replace him with Puljujarvi. Oilers get a top 4 dee man of future and a potential starting goalie! Rangers replace Georgiev with there top goalie prospect whose name I’m not gonna try and spell.
Not sure how that’ll work, Edmonton has 2.4 mill in cap space at the moment, Namestnikov is 4 mill alone. I mean in theory there may be ways to make it work out, but I think Edmonton would be able to find a more suitable deal than that one.
It won’t work. The Oilers only have 2.4 in cap left for one. 4 of their top prospects are defensemen (Evan Bouchard and Filip Broberg taken first round the last 2 years), and their top 3 (and only useful ones are all still young and dependable in Klefbom, Larsson, and Nurse) for 2. And they have too many goalie prospects in their system already where they are likely going to have to let one walk already while having possibly their best not count as he is in the KHL. Oilers need young wingers not defence and goalie prospects.
I’m seeking a million dollar contract and earlier retirement.
Can’t hurt to ask.
Rust has a very real chance of being Sid’s RW. Bjugstad?
Who’s your 3rd line center?
Beats the **** out of me.
I’ve been saying for months that we still don’t have one. And no, it’s not Bjugstad. He’s a decent winger, but he’s not a center.
Right now, Teddy Bleuger is the third best center on the roster.
I’d trade Bjugstad for Bonino or Eric Staal, if possible.
Forgot about McCann. He’s also a better winger (and a better winger than Bjugstad) than center, but…
He is a legit center when he plays there.
Might have to be him. He could also end up as Sid’s wing, though. At which point, no 3C.
Lol Ken Holland at it again. Obscene ‘preferred’ return but at least he’s staying on brand.
For most teams may have interest, thou unless they can get Puljujarvi to get a mid round pick in future and a bottom 6 prospect , for Namestnikov, Rykov, NO on Georgiev for goalie, playing hardball if that would be part of deal and few dollars in money changing hands and Puljujarvi agrees to conditions in performance laden contract in deal, and maybe spice it up with Rangers getting D-Man , Prospect Ethan Bear , Rangers may up the draft pick, just getting in with trade talks, Hope the ball starts rolling with Beauvillier signing today, so other RFA’s will start the talks on upcoming season they can be with team and prepare for training camps. Go! Black Hawks!