Breaking: Puljujarvi leaves NHL, signs in Finland

This just in, Edmonton Oilers restricted free agent Jesse Puljujarvi has reportedly signed a contract with Karpat Oulu of the Finnish SM-Liiga. It’s believed that the one year deal has an out-clause to join the NHL before December 1st, 2019.

The 21-year-old Puljujarvi has reportedly informed Oilers general manager Ken Holland that he will not sign a new contract with the team and will only return to the NHL once his rights have been traded.

He last played for Karpat during the 2015-2016 season, when he put up 13 goals and 28 points in 50 games playing alongside future NHL star Sebastian Aho.

“It’s nice to come back to Oulu and Kärpp and get to help the team,” Puljujärvi said confirming the deal with his former team. 

“The great thing is, Jesse has decided to make a season-long deal with us,” the team’s director Harri Aho said. “Jesse’s, skills and talent will surely be enough for the NHL. We want to be there to help and support Jesse towards that goal.”

In other Puljujarvi news, Pittsburgh Penguins insider Dan Kingerski was able to uncover some information regarding Puljujarvi and Holland’s dealings with the Penguins. According to Kingerski, the Penguins and Oilers approached the idea of a Puljujarvi trade earlier this offseason, but Penguins GM Jim Rutherford balked at the asking price.

Check it out:

When news of Puljujarvi’s trade demands broke earlier this summer, an NHL source told PHN the Penguins made contact with Edmonton but did not like the price, believed to be Bryan Rust.

The 27 year old Rust would undoubtedly flouring in Edmonton, particularly if he finds himself on Connor McDavid’s wing. He put up a career high 18 goals last season and 35 points in 72 games with the Penguins. Depending how convinced you are of Puljujarvi’s potential, a straight one-for-one deal could work out well for both franchises. Then again… the Oilers don’t have much success with one for one trades…