While there has been news of late that forward Jesse Puljujarvi may be speaking with the Edmonton Oilers about a possible return to the team, the overall sentiment among people closely following this situation is that Puljujarvi is likely to stay in Finland.
Reports were that the Oilers have been in recent communication with their fourth-overall draft pick from 2016 and Puljujarvi has commented, clarifying how those talks have been going. He also provided a closer glimpse at what he’s thinking about when it comes to his playing future.
Related: Oilers’ GM Holland Recently Spoke With Puljujarvi And Agent
Iltalehti.fi is covering the story (translation required) and Puljuarvi notes that his top choice would be to sign with Kärpät for next season. He doesn’t have a contract and he hasn’t ruled out a return to the NHL, but if he were to predict what will happen, he’s more likely to re-sign in Finland thany anything. He did say, “The NHL has been my goal,” Puljujärvi told Iltalehti .
The story goes on to report that Puljujärvi had previously stated he would not return to Oilers’ organization but now, “the matter is no longer so black and white.” Now, Puljuarvi and his agent Markus Lehto are dealing with coach Dave Tippett and general manager Ken Holland and the talks have been much more positive.
“It was a good and constructive conference call.” Puljujarvi said. He added that he left the call feeling positive but said, “However, I will not go into the details.”
A Possible Return to the Oilers?
Puljujarvi repeated the line fans in Edmonton had already heard when asked if he would ever return to the Oilers. “You can never say no,” he said. He did say that he’s grown and sees things differently now. “There’s now a different GM and head coach out there. Build a winning team in Edmonton . It may be possible that I will still be playing there.” Puljujärvi admits.
As a restricted free agent, the Oilers do still own Puljujarvi’s rights so any return to the league would need to go through Edmonton. That said, he could avoid the NHL join a Swiss club as the large club Bern is coveting Puljujärvi.
Pulujarvi seemed to hint that a decision would be coming quickly. “The time for solutions is in the coming days . Or in the coming weeks, Puljujärvi says mysteriously.”
One thing that was made clear… Puljujarvi will not be joining the KHL. There is an offer out there for him with Torpedo Niznhi – Novgorod . “I’m not going there next season,” Puljujarvi said.
Next: Kyle Dubas Calls NHL Bubble Unique Way to Watch Free Agents
