We’ve heard this story before. More specifically, the prospect of the Edmonton Oilers and Jesse Puljujarvi making nice is nothing new. To date, nothing has come of the talk, yet despite every new development in the Oilers and Puljuarvi drama — drama that has been going for on one full year and counting –, there is hope that the forward might be ready to sign with the Oilers’ organization.
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As per Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer, a new wrinkle in the storyline suggests that Puljujarvi’s change of agency could lead to a deal between the team and the player. Stauffer notes that a short-term deal might be in the works because Puljujarvi’s new agency is the same one that reps superstar Connor McDavid.
Stauffer does point out that’s not the only reason for a possible new deal as the head coaching and GM combination of Dave Tippett and Ken Holland has Puljujarvi seeing things a bit differently. Still, the radio host with a ton of insider information seems to believe something is up.
Could Puljujarvi’s Potential Signing Lead to a Trade?
If accurate, Stauffer also suggests the Oilers logjam at right-wing might equate to a trade. Should the Oilers ink the Finnish forward to a one-year deal, they may look to move a right-winger for a left-winger, potentially freeing up some much-needed cap space.
The expectation is that Puljujarvi will be less costly than a player like Alex Chiasson who currently has one season remaining on a deal that pays $2.15 million.
And, the Oilers need left-wingers. The team learned they might not have the services of a depth left-winger in Joakim Nygård to open the season. He is now out at least 4-6 weeks after he reinjured the same finger that kept him out most of last season. He hurt himself playing with Farjestad in the SHL, an injury that will require surgery.
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