The New Jersey Devils are certainly looking to improve their forward depth, and once again the Edmonton Oilers might be able to help them.
The New Jersey Devils and Edmonton Oilers have been trade partners in the past as we all know. We remember that the Oilers gave a future Hart Trophy winner in Taylor Hall to the Devils in exchange for Adam Larsson. They also had the Patrick Maroon trade at the 2018 trade deadline that helped them in the stretch run make the playoffs. Now, they might be good partners again.
Jesse Puljujarvi was selected by the Edmonton Oilers fourth overall, and that was after falling to them because many believed he would be the third overall pick. The Columbus Blue Jackets surprised the hockey world and took Pierre-Luc Dubois instead.
Since then, Puljujarvi has had a rough go of it in Edmonton. They have seemed to stunt his development by not getting him in the best possible situations to succeed. He has now apparently requested a trade and a change of scenery. This might go a really long way for this guy.
You are not selected fourth overall if you don’t have tremendous skill. Puljujarvi has tremendous skill. He might make the Oilers really sorry they traded him someday. A good comparison that comes to mind is Chicago Blackhawks forward Dylan Strome. Strome was the third overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft by the Arizona Coyotes. He didn’t reach his potential in Arizona but once he was traded to Chicago he burst onto the scene.
This could very well be the case for Puljujarvi if he were traded away from the Edmonton Oilers. The New Jersey Devils would be an awesome fit for this guy. They are a team looking for wingers and they have a few centers that would matchup great for him. Both Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes would be able to help Puljujarvi out and get his game going to where we know it can go.
It might not even cost the Devils that much to get him either. A pick and a prospect might get it done or a similar level player that also might need a change of scenery like John Quenneville or Michael McLeod. Either way, this could be one of those trades that if made works out for both teams. It is an idea worth considering if you are Ray Shero.