Free agent forward Jesse Puljujarvi could be the next successful story of a return to the NHL following a double hip surgery, a procedure he underwent in the offseason. According to insider Chris Johnston, Puljujarvi has been cleared for full-contact training and is ready to play as he eyes an NHL return.
This summer, Puljujarvi was not qualified to stay with the Carolina Hurricanes and has since been a free agent available to any team in the league. Last season, the Finn appeared in 17 games for the Hurricanes, notching two assists. He added an assist in seven playoff games. Over five-plus seasons with the Oilers and then his time in Raleigh following a move at the trade deadline in February, Puljujarvi has 51 goals and 63 assists in 334 games.
He wants to add more to his NHL stats sheet.
When his recovery got underway, Puljujarvi was hoping for a return in the NHL around November, but now in December and with no teams reportedly interested in the forward, it could take a while for Puljujarvi to get signed to a contract.
However, today’s update makes it clear that he is back and ready to go, though clubs around the league might want to see some footage of his skating and training before talking about a potential deal.
Insider Frank Seravalli had recently mentioned how Puljujarvi should be given a shot in the American Hockey League:
“My guess is he’s probably going to have to start somewhere on a professional tryout or an AHL deal to try and work his way back. I think it wasn’t just a health thing that kept him from getting to the level that he wanted to be at, and a lot of people thought that he could get to. I think there was also a confidence factor, so I think he’s got a long way to go, and teams aren’t going to be knocking down his door to get another opportunity after the way things ended in Carolina. It was pretty bleak, so he’s got a long way back.”
Now ready to go, Puljujarvi should be giving a shot as he could be a great addition as bottom-six forward for any team at this point.
It may have to start in the AHL, but at least, Puljujarvi is healthy and ready to come back.
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