Puljujarvi’s agent adds oil to fire after client agrees to play in Europe

The Jesse Puljujarvi saga in Edmonton got worse on Thursday when the young forward revealed that he has agreed to play for Oulun Kärpät next season until his situation with the Oilers is settled.

We all know where Oilers general manager Ken Holland stands: he is willing to be patient to get the right offer for the young forward who demanded a trade earlier this summer, it seems like Puljujarvi is not willing to wait anymore.

His agent Mark Lehto decided to keep the havoc going by adding on Thursday night that his client’s No. 1 priority remains to play in the NHL next season. He told Finland’s MTV Sports that a trade remains possible, or even likely, moving the former No. 4 overall pick for a return that satisfies the Oilers is proving difficult.

“After all, this is not about money,” Lehto said, via Google Translate.”If we wanted the biggest money, then the KHL deal would have been [signed] two months ago.”

Last week, Puljujarvi personally made his intentions known, telling a Finnish media that he’ll stay in Finland until he has a new contract.

‘I want a new start with some other team. Playing in North America is still my goal.” “I will stay on Oulu until I have a contract. I will find a place to play somewhere.’

Puljujarvi did not specify that it needed to be an NHL team. Now, with his latest decision, whatever his agent says might be too late to get the Oilers to find a trade solution for the young forward…