Holland on Puljujarvi: “I’m Not Going To Give Him Away”

There have been a few updates in regards to the story unfolding in Edmonton, where speculation is that Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland is seriously considering trading Jesse Puljujarvi this offseason. Some fans are disappointed, with others saying it’s time to go, but Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic has provided some clarity on what’s going on between the two sides.

Related: Oilers’ Jesse Puljujarvi: The Next Ethan Bear Or Ryan Strome?

First, Nugent-Bowman writes that Puljujarvi has not asked for a trade. Second, he suggests that the reason the Oilers are not sure about his future with the team is that Jesse wants to be a top-six winger and he’s not necessarily going to start the 2022-23 season as one if he stays with the Oilers. The combination of Puljujarvi feeling like the team isn’t going to use him in the role he could be most effective and that he might want a fresh start if he feels the Oilers have lost faith in him is the reason for the trade speculation.

Nugent-Bowman writes:

A consideration is putting the 24-year-old on the third line next to Warren Foegele and Ryan McLeod — who is now considered a top-nine player — but that doesn’t appear something to which he’s agreeable. However, because Puljujarvi is a restricted free agent (albeit with arbitration eligibility) and the Oilers control his rights, they could try to encourage him to start the season on such a line and let him work his way up the lineup.

But, Holland is not prepared to give him away. In fact, Nugent-Bowman quotes Holland who said as much. The expectation is that “there’s a chance Puljujarvi will still be an Oiler by the fall” if Holland doesn’t the deal he likes. Puljujarvi is an RFA and the Oilers will qualify him. With the exception of how an arbitration hearing might unfold (making Puljujarvi a bit more expensive than the Oilers would like) they’re in the drivers’ seat here.

Mark Spector reported that the Oilers are perhaps willing to accept a second-round pick for the player. Nugent-Bowman disputes that. The lone exception might be if Holland has a trade in hand and is prepared to move that second-round pick for a different player who could help the Oilers immediately.

This Is In Puljujarvi’s Court to Prove Himself Again

As it stands right now, both the Oilers and the player are doing their own evaluations of where Puljujarvi slots in with this team. If he’s open to starting on the third line and trying to work his way up, there’s a good chance he’ll be back. If Puljujarvi feels it’s top-six or bust, and he’s not going to be a gamer if he doesn’t get his way, the Oilers will actively try to find a trade that works.

Spector says the Oilers are talking to at least four teams — the Ottawa Senators, Arizona Coyotes, Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils. If Holland has a trade ready to go, he’ll make it if Puljujarvi isn’t ready to play his role and work his way back up the lineup.

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