Canadiens Possibly Interested in Oilers’ Jesse Puljujarvi

When the Edmonton Oilers signed Jesse Puljujarvi to a one-year deal worth $3 million, that didn’t slow down speculation a trade that would see Puljujarvi moved slowed down. In fact, having a deal in hand has only ramped up speculation as the player is now under a cost-controlled contract at a reasonable number. This doesn’t mean a trade is imminent, but according to Jimmy Murphy of Montreal Hockey Now, there is at least one team kicking tires on a deal.

Murphy writes that a source said that the Montreal Canadiens might have an interest in Puljujarvi and that GM Kent Hughes may have already reached out to the Oilers about a potential trade. Reports are that the Canadiens have been doing their due diligence player and since before the NHL Entry Draft. Now that he’s signed a one-year, $3 million deal with Edmonton, the Canadiens might see him as a possible fit.

The Oilers are still certainly open to a deal, as per multiple reports. GM Ken Holland doesn’t intend to give the player away for nothing, but Edmonton has other items on their to-do list and little cap space with which to do things. If signing Puljujarvi to this new deal ups the odds that teams will put together better offers, he’s going to explore those options.

Murphy writes:

“…one has to wonder if Hughes and the Canadiens could even package one of the numerous contracts they’re trying to unload that could help a contending team like the Oilers, with a third or fourth round pick and acquire a winger in Puljujärvi, who might need the Midas touch of Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis to finally realize his potential?”

Could there be a deal between the Canadiens and Oilers? What players might the Oilers want? There was talk Edmonton was interested in Josh Anderson before getting Evander Kane signed to an extension. He’s not likely in the cards for the Oilers now. But, could a player like Christian Dvorak work? He’s got a $4.45 million contract for the next three seasons. It’s hard to envision how that would work for the Oilers’ cap situation unless the Canadiens retained salary or Edmonton sent other money back as part of the deal.

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