Oilers’ asking price for Puljujarvi revealed

There have been rumblings for weeks now that former 4th overall pick Jesse Puljujarvi has demanded a trade from the Edmonton Oilers and the player’s agent Markus Lehto confirmed the rumblings just last week saying:

”It doesn’t make sense to go back where we were last season, it’s not good for either side. Discussions about parting ways have been going on for weeks already. Jesse needs a fresh start and it’s nothing against the Oilers”. 

Oh… and if he doesn’t get that fresh start, he’ll sit out the 2019-20 season and play in Europe instead.

"If he doesn’t get traded," Lehto confirmed, "he will play in Europe next year. He will not play in Edmonton."

Now, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet is reporting that Puljujarvi could be headed East and it appears that at least three teams have the big Finn in their sights. Check out this nugget from Friedman’s latest 31 Thoughts column for Sportsnet:

Jesse Puljujarvi’s preference is to resume his NHL career outside of Canada; someplace a little quieter. Boston, Carolina and Tampa Bay are among the possibilities.

Interesting. But the real question is, “What’s the price?” How much will teams have to pay to land the former 4th overall pick? Oilers insider Jim Matheson of The Edmonton Journal reports that Oilers general manager Ken Holland is seeking either a top prospect or a forward in the prime of his career (aged 25-30) with some term on his contract.

Check it out:

Well… that certainly limits the Oilers’ options moving forward. While there may be a team out there willing to take a chance on Puljujarvi, the Bruins and Lightning don’t seem like likely destinations. Both teams are pushing for a Stanley Cup in 2019-20 and likely won’t part with anything off their existing lineup. The Hurricanes though? Could top prospect Martin Necas pique the interest of Holland? Stay tuned.