Analyst makes strong bull case to bring back former 4th overall pick
Photo credit: Edmonton Journal
It was announced earlier today that the Pittsburgh Penguins have placed forward
Jesse Puljujarvi on unconditional waivers for contract termination purposes, and an intriguing opportunity has presented itself for GM Stan Bowman.
Jesse Puljujärvi AKA "Pool Party" AKA "Bison King" AKA "Pizza Party" was a polarizing figure during his time in Oil Country. Fans either loved him, or hatted him -- and they all had their reasons.
While Puljujarvi had a strong showing during training camp, his performance eventually started to taper off, and head coach Mike Sullivan eventually put his foot down.
Following an underwhelming regular season campaign and a few stints in the press box, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas made the executive decision rid himself of the big Finn.
Edmonton Oilers have an opportunity to bring back Jesse Puljujarvi
According to Caleb Kerney of The Hockey News, the Oilers could do something that makes sense and surprises many people. It's so unconventional that it just might work.
However, it may suggest he would be willing to take a league-minimum deal elsewhere. The Oilers are a Stanley Cup contender, which makes them more than a desirable destination for players. Add to this the fact that Puljujarvi is already familiar with the city, the media, and most of the players.
He is a big, skilled winger who isn't afraid to forecheck. Kris Knoblauch values this in his wingers, and it would ensure that Puljujarvi keeps his position in the lineup. While he wouldn't be the "big-game hunting" most fans desire, bringing Puljujarvi back to the Oilers could be an underrated addition to the team.
-Caleb Kerney
He is a big, skilled winger who isn't afraid to forecheck. Kris Knoblauch values this in his wingers, and it would ensure that Puljujarvi keeps his position in the lineup. While he wouldn't be the "big-game hunting" most fans desire, bringing Puljujarvi back to the Oilers could be an underrated addition to the team.
-Caleb Kerney
While Puljujarvi's future in the NHL seems uncertain, Oilers fans seem convinced that another stint in northern Alberta could help turn his game around.
Puljujärvi also came into the 2024-25 campaign fresh off a double hip surgery, a procedure notirously difficult to come back from.
Regardless, the Oilers could steal him for free, and it's an intriguing option GM Stan Bowman moving forward.
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