EDMONTON, AB – DECEMBER 27: Edmonton Oilers Right Wing Jesse Puljujarvi (98) skates to the puck in the first period during the Edmonton Oilers game versus the Vancouver Canucks on December 27, 2018 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB. (Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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According to the latest NHL trade rumors, the New York Rangers are among the teams that are interested in trading for Edmonton Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi.
The New York Rangers, despite making some huge moves this offseason, are a rebuilding team looking to add talent to their roster. According to the latest NHL trade rumors, they are among the teams that have expressed interest in disgruntled Edmonton Oilers prospect Jesse Puljujarvi.
This report comes from Chris Johnston in Sportsnet’s latest “Headlines” segment. Currently, Puljujarvi is playing in Finland for Kärpät in Liiga. He has 11 goals and nine assists for 20 points so far in 18 games, which puts him among the league leaders.
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As of Nov. 3, Puljujarvi ranks sixth overall in points and is second among players who are under 23 years old. His 11 goals are the third-most overall and the second-most among all players who are under 23 years old.
Puljujarvi was drafted by the Oilers with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. However, Edmonton did not handle him effectively, which has led to a rather inconsistent NHL career thus far. In 139 career NHL games, Puljujarvi has 17 goals, 20 assists, and 37 points. His best season came in 2017-18 when he put up 12 goals, eight assists, and 20 points in 65 games.
There are several reasons why Puljujarvi would be a solid target for the Rangers. First of all, he’s a young, controllable forward. Puljujarvi is very skilled, which is why he was drafted fourth overall. In fact, many people had him as the third-best prospect. So if the Rangers are going to gamble on a young forward, it might as well be someone with his profile and skillset.
Secondly, his usage with the Oilers suggests he wasn’t set up for success. During his last two years in Edmonton, his most common linemates included Milan Lucic, Ryan Strome, and Jujhar Khaira. They also included Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but it’s worth noting he did quite well with them compared to guys like Lucic.
One important thing to remember about Puljujarvi is he must sign with an NHL team by Dec. 1. If he doesn’t, he won’t be able to play in the NHL during the 2019-20 season. So expect something to get done soon. Reportedly, Puljujarvi would be willing to come back to the NHL, but he appears to be done with the Oilers.
It remains to be seen what kind of return Edmonton will seek for the former fourth overall pick. However, the Oilers would likely want someone who can help their team right now. Jesper Fast and (ironically) Strome would be two good fits. Chris Kreider would make sense as well, though the Oilers would have to add more to the trade for it to make sense.
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Puljujarvi’s days in Edmonton are clearly over, despite their front office changes. However, his days in the NHL might not be over, as there are some teams interested in him. There’s a Dec. 1 deadline, so expect to hear his name a lot more over the next few weeks.