Ken Holland, the Edmonton Oilers general manager, was called upon by an entire Oilers fan base as well as Oilers reporter Bob Stauffer, who stated enough was enough and changes had to be made to the Oilers defensive core.
Holland free'd up $3 million + in cap space by trading the former 4th overall pick to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a forward who is not eligible to play in the NHL just yet, Patrik Puistola, who is playing European hockey.
After a solid�36 point season last season, the 24-year-old Puljujarvi has struggled this season with just five goals and 14 points in 58 games. It had been widely known�that the Oilers were considering cutting all ties with Puljujarvi and sending him on waivers since they had tried so hard to make things work with him. Nonetheless, it appears that the Hurricanes were at least prepared to provide something to give him a chance.
Since being traded last week, Puljujarvi has stayed put in Canada as he was not able to enter the USA due to immigration issues. The Oilers performed a very classy move and allowed Puljujarvi to practice in the Edmonton arena for the time being. Now, Puljujarvi's new team, the Hurricanes, are taking on the Montreal Canadiens in Canada and Puljujarvi is able to make his debut with the Canes.
Puljujarvi met his new teammates, and as always he was all smiles.
Best of luck in your Hurricanes debut tonight Jesse!
POLL | ||
Do you think Puljujarvi will bloom in a new jersey? | ||
Yes | 117 | 55.2 % |
No | 95 | 44.8 % |
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