Former Oilers Forward Recovering from Double Hip Surgery

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Ryan Hall
July 21, 2023 (10:05 PM)

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Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things just don't work out as planned. This sentiment rings true for Jesse Puljujärvi, a former first-round draft pick of the Oilers who struggled to live up to expectations during his time with the team.

Puljujärvi, a six-foot-four right winger, was drafted by the Oilers in the first round of the 2016 entry draft as the 4th overall pick. The Oilers had high hopes for him and gave him ample opportunities to shine. However, over his time with the team, he only managed to surpass the 30-point mark once. The gap between expectations and reality led the Oilers to eventually part ways with Puljujärvi, sending him to the Carolina Hurricanes.

During his stint with the Hurricanes, Puljujärvi's performance remained lacklustre. He played 17 games, failing to score any goals and only registering two assists. His overall performance resulted in a -2 rating during his time on the ice. The struggles seemed to compound, leaving Puljujärvi with an uncertain future in the NHL.

In a recent Instagram post, Puljujärvi revealed that he had undergone double hip surgery following the conclusion of the season. The accompanying video showed him engaging in various drills, including skating, strength training, and skill shots. It's evident that despite his challenges, Puljujärvi is determined to work hard and make a successful comeback.