New Jersey Devils: Interesting Trade Option For Jesse Puljujarvi
It is no secret in Edmonton or around the rest of the league that Jesse Puljujarvi really didn’t pan out like anyone hoped. He was super hyped up in his draft year with a strong season as a teenager in the men’s league in Finland for Karpat. He put up 28 points in 53 games. While not the best league in the world, many of the best European players showed they could be great in those leagues first.
For a player like Patrick Laine, he went to score at an amazing rate once he came to the NHL. However, Puljujarvi only managed one goal in 28 games before being demoted to the AHL. In his sophomore year, he managed a bit of momentum and got a longer stint with the Oilers of 65 games where he managed 12 goals and 20 points. Not a bad season if a young player could take another step.
This was not the case, and he took a step backwards and seemed to still be having trouble adjusting to the game in North America. On pace for less points, Puljujarvi was sent down and clearly was very unhappy with his usage and place in Edmonton. He asked for a trade and made it rather clear he had little desire to continue playing in Edmonton and no desire to play in the AHL. His stock dropped to nothing and some expected him to just remain in Finland.
Now, rumors around Edmonton say Puljujarvi may return to the league, though if he wants to play in Edmonton is still unknown. His value now is probably low, so should the New Jersey Devils jump on it and take a chance? And what would the Oilers be looking for in return?
He had a strong season once again with Karpat putting up 53 points in 56 games good for 4th in the league. What was the most shocking was that 24 of them were goals good for 5th in the league. He is still only 22 even if it feels like he was drafted a long time ago, so these numbers could be pointing to a career turnaround. This looks even more likely now, as of the time I write this, Puljujarvi is leading the Finnish league’s pre season with well over a point a game.
The trade I would be offering is a swap I would say is low risk high reward for both teams.
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Jesse Puljujarvi for Micheal Mcleod
Both were drafted the same year with some high expectations. Neither have met those expectations. Both have been passed over by prospects on their own clubs. A new start for both could be what they need.
For the Oilers with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the wing now and Leon Draisaitl and Kailer Yamamoto playing around the lineup, the spot for 3rd line center is wide open. What they need is someone who can actually defend and skate on a lower contract going forward. With the two big centers for the Oilers if Mcleod could slot in at 3C and find chemistry they wouldn’t need the most points from him, just responsible play. The other factor that could make this work is the said chemistry.
The Oilers have McLeod’s brother Ryan on their AHL team. The two played together for the Mississauga Steelheads in the OHL. Putting them on a line in the AHL and then the NHL seems like a no brainer. They can skate like the wind and could form a solid line in a year for the Oilers for the cost of a guy who may not want to be their anyways.
Next. Options For Devils Late In 1st Round. dark
From the Devils side, they get a chance at a middle-six guy and he could slot in on the right side behind Palmieri. The Devils could sign another winger and draft someone like Alexander Holtz to fill out the present and future of the position. This year, Puljujarvi could and probably should stay in Finland since the season is going to be an odd one in the NHL and losing here wont do much for him, but in 2021-22 he could come over with some of our younger players and make a big push. He is a big body as well and if he actually does get it all sorted out would add what we need in some size to .