Edmonton Oilers

Former Oilers Forward Jesse Puljujarvi Hits Waivers with Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins have placed winger Jesse Puljujärvi on waivers, who might claim the former Edmonton Oiler and Carolina Hurricane?

by
Jim Parsons
December 30, 2024

The Pittsburgh Penguins have placed former Finnish winger and former Edmonton Oilers forward Jesse Puljujärvi on waivers, potentially signaling the end of his run with the team and another organization the once high-end prospect couldn’t stick with. He was drafted fourth overall in 2016 and had a high pedigree, but he’s struggling to make his stays with any NHL clubs last, and the move allows Puljujärvi to be claimed by another team without trade costs or reassigned to the AHL if he clears waivers.

The Penguins have placed Jesse Puljujarvi on waivers. pic.twitter.com/NQSBM93a4S
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 30, 2024

Puljujärvi’s placement on waivers may be part of the Penguins’ plans to shake up their roster or simply move on from a failed experiment. He was given a tryout with the team and made the club. He got a two-year deal worth $800K per season. However, in 21 games with the Penguins this season, he’s got three goals and eight points. He played 22 games in Pittsburgh during the 2023-24 campaign and posted six points.

With 334 career NHL games under his belt, the 25-year-old has shown flashes of offensive potential but has struggled with consistency.

Will Anyone Take Puljujarvi Off Waivers? Would the Oilers Look?

There were plenty of social media accounts for fans of different teams asking if Puljujarvi would be worth a look. In Edmonton, where Puljujarvi spent several seasons, some wondered if he might be a better, less expensive option than Jeff Skinner. Skinner is not having a great run and was recently a healthy scratch for Edmonton. He was not in the top group of forwards again at practice on Monday and he’s not a strong fit as a reliable bottom-six forward. Puljujarvi, however, has size and a different style of game.

Jesse Puljujarvi Oilers Penguins return — Jesse Puljujarvi on waivers from the Penguins. Would the Oilers look?

All that said, a return to Edmonton is a long shot at best. For Puljujärvi, this development raises questions about his long-term role in the NHL. Once a highly touted prospect, his career trajectory has trended in the wrong direction for years now and the Oilers have been there and done that.

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