Former NHLer Esa Tikkanen slams Oilers’ Puljujarvi

In case you missed the news earlier this week Edmonton Oilers restricted free agent Jesse Puljujarvi signed a contract with Karpat Oulu of the Finnish SM-Liiga. 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. It’s been reported that Puljujarvi is upset that he hasn’t been given a top-six role on the Oilers and would like to be traded to a team that would give him more opportunity. It was these statements that prompted former Oilers forward Esa Tikkanen to come out against Puljujarvi, his countryman. 

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If anyone knows what it takes to stick with the Oilers, it’s Tikkanen. The rugged forward was a versatile forward for the team during their glory days, but found himself in and out of the lineup for his first few seasons. If there’s anyone who Puljujarvi should be listening to, it’s Tikkanen.

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.

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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…