Rumor: Jesse Puljujarvi is coming back to the NHL!

Former Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes forward Jesse Puljujarvi is reportedly nearing a return to full health after undergoing offseason hip surgery and is eyeing a return to the NHL in December, according to TSN's Chris Johnston.

On TSN's latest 'Insider Trading' segment, Johnston reports that the former 4th overall pick has began on-ice training following his surgery and is beginning the process of reaching out to NHL teams in an effort to find a contract.

More from Johnston:

"Puljujarvi is skating in Finland right now... and it sounds as if he's feeling very, very good. He's hoping to return in early to mid December in terms of playing."

- Chris Johnston

The 25 year old Puljujarvi had five goals and 16 points in 75 games split between the Oilers and the Hurricanes. In total he has 51 goals and 114 points in 334 games. Not awful, by any means, but not exactly what you'd expect from a former 4th overall pick and a player who was scouted as one of the top offensive players in his draft. His best season came in 2021-22 with the Oilers when he managed 14 goals and 36 points in 65 games. To be frank though, Puljujarvi has never really come close to matching that level of production in any other season. 

If you're ever seen Puljujarvi play, you'll understand why the mere mention of his name can trigger some Oilers fans. He just oozes with natural skill and physical capabilities, but he has such a complete lack of fundamental understanding about both the offensive and the defensive flow of the game. He always seems like one play early or one play late in all areas of the ice. 'All the tools, but no tool box,' as the old saying goes. 

Still, I can't imagine that Puljujarvi is going to break the bank for any team out there looking to take a flier on him. It's not like we'll undergo a signing sweepstakes like we will with Patrick Kane when he finally returns from injury, to get Puljujarvi under contract. Stay tuned.