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Is This the End of the Road for Jesse Puljujärvi?

Jesse Puljujarvi what put on waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins. He cleared. Where does that leave him as far as an NHL career is concerned?

Jesse Puljujärvi’s future in the NHL is looking increasingly uncertain after he was placed on waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 30, 2024. The 26-year-old winger cleared waivers on December 31, allowing the Penguins to send him down to the AHL. Puljujärvi, once the fourth overall pick of the 2016 NHL Draft by the Edmonton Oilers, has spent most of the past few seasons searching for a consistent role in the NHL. With his recent demotion, one can’t help but wonder: Is this the end of the road for the Finnish forward in the NHL? Or is there still hope for a comeback?



It’s Been Another Tough Season for Puljujärvi

Puljujärvi’s time with the Penguins this season has been marked by inconsistency and slim chances. Despite showing flashes of talent, he’s played just one game since November 23. He’s been a healthy scratch in 14 of his last 15 games. The Penguins’ success during that stretch has made it difficult for him to crack the lineup, and his role has diminished.

In 21 games, Puljujärvi recorded three goals and five assists, but his playing time was limited to an average of 11:37 per game. Still, that’s more ice time than his 9:11 per game average from last season. Additionally, his physical play and defensive abilities have been strong. The bottom line is that he hasn’t found the offensive consistency that once made him a highly sought-after prospect. Where did it go?

Does Puljujärvi Have a Place in Pittsburgh or Anywhere Else?

Puljujärvi’s 2024-25 season hasn’t been horrible by any stretch. He has put up solid underlying numbers (50.6% of shot attempts controlled while on the ice), which is better than average. Still, it also suggests that the Penguins don’t see him as a reliable part of their lineup. Something seems to have melted his ice time with the Penguins.

However, given his contract’s only $800K cap hit and no commitment beyond this season, one would think that Puljujärvi would still be in demand if Pittsburgh decides to sell at the trade deadline or if injuries arise. Does Puljujärvi have what it takes to make an impact on the Penguins? The answer seems to be no.

Can Jesse Puljujärvi Revive His NHL Career Like Kapanen?

Puljujärvi’s NHL career seems to have hit a crossroads. While he hasn’t yet found the consistent production or role many envisioned when he was drafted fourth overall, comparisons to players like Kasperi Kapanen suggest there’s still hope for a resurgence. Kapanen’s rejuvenation with the Oilers shows how a fresh start can unlock a player’s potential. While a return to the Oilers for Puljujärvi seems unlikely, given past challenges, the right environment could provide the platform for him to contribute meaningfully, especially as a steady and versatile team player.

Jesse Puljujarvi was put on waivers by the Penguins.

Puljujärvi might never crack the top six on a competitive team. However, he has shown flashes of his potential as a shutdown forward. A consistent role on a third line could be his ticket to rebuilding his value. Could he offer solid two-way play and secondary scoring? However, his time with the Penguins is running out, and the organization will soon need to decide whether to invest further in his development or move on. Puljujärvi’s future hinges on finding a team willing to give him a stable opportunity to prove his worth.

Puljujärvi’s Career Is at a Crossroads

Flashes of potential have marked Puljujärvi’s journey through the NHL but also by inconsistency and missed opportunities. His tenure in Pittsburgh appears to be nearing its end. However, it may represent another chapter in a tumultuous career rather than the conclusion. Puljujärvi has shown that he possesses the tools—size, physicality, and defensive awareness—to thrive in a bottom-six role. He might never reach his ceiling as a top-six forward.

At only 26 years old, Puljujärvi still has time to reshape his career trajectory, but what happens next is critical. Whether he earns another chance in Pittsburgh, is picked up by another NHL team, or considers options overseas, the coming months will likely define his future in professional hockey. For Puljujärvi, the challenge is to prove he belongs – somewhere. Can he do it?

Related: Former Oilers Forward Jesse Puljujarvi Hits Waivers with Penguins

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