There has been unconfirmed speculation for much of this season that the Edmonton Oilers were open to moving disappointing prospect Jesse Puljujarvi, but now it seems that the team is actually contemplating a trade. TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reports that the Oilers have spoken with Puljujarvi’s agent, Markus Lehto, about the possibility of a move. Rishaug writes that the team is open to trading the top prospect if the right return presents itself.
Puljujarvi, 20, was the fourth overall pick in 2016 but has yet to justify his draft slot. A 6’4″ power forward, Pulujarvi scored with ease in his native Finland and on the international stage. He even did well for himself in the AHL for much of the 2016-17 season. However, the NHL level has been a different story. In 138 games thus far, Puljujarvi has only 37 points. This season, through 45 games, he has four goals, nine points, and a team-worst -14 rating. It has gotten so bad for the young forward, that Rishaug states he is likely to be sent down to the AHL if a trade does not occur.
For his part, Rishaug believes this to be the most likely outcome. Although the Oilers are officially considering moving on from Puljujarvi, Rishaug feels it would take a major return. He states that Edmonton still believes in Puljujarvi and would rather keep working with him, in the NHL or AHL, than give him away at a discount. With draft guru Keith Gretzky currently in charge as interim GM, this is a plausible outcome. However, the question now is whether another team likes Puljujarvi’s potential more than the Oilers. Edmonton may not be eager to move the recent top pick, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t.
What would a big return consist of? Strome would’ve made a lot of sense before he got moved to Chicago. Are we talking a playoff team’s first rounder? A mid 2nd rounder? I’m trying to think of other recent top 5 picks that are starting to fizzle out but besides Strome pre-trade I’m drawing a blank.
I would take a chance on him for a 2nd round pick. I would not give up a 1st rounder or a young stud from my team.
He’s only 20 years old. I would take a chance on him especially if the price was only a 2nd rounder or mid level prospect.
Hornqvist for Puljujarvi. Oilers need a culture change. No one better to lead than Hornqvist. Pens get younger and cap space, continuing Rutherford’s M.O. this season.
Oilers need to shed money, not take it on.
Only one I can remember is Yakupov and I think he brought a second rounder back. He was also drafted by the Oilers…
1 for 1? No.
What about ho sang for puljujarvi would that be a fair trade could spark both players
I would say maybe suggest Poo to NJ for Zacha. A trade of disappointing high First Rounders.
Pujujarvi for Zacha
Huge overpay for the pens that would kill the locker room they love horqvist
Not that it wouldn’t open up some cap space for the Penguins, but I doubt they would do that deal heading towards the playoffs, based on Hornqvist’s experience. Maybe something they would revisit if presented with the opportunity during the off season.
Just get it over with already. This story, along with the countless other stories of failed prospects in Edmonton over the years, has become so stale. I hope that Puljujarvi finds success with a team, but I just don’t see him finding it with the Oilers, not after all of the constant drama between those two parties over the past few seasons. A timely resolution to this saga would be beneficial to both sides, as Puljujarvi’s trade value declines by the day and more of his career is wasted not getting the chance to develop properly.