Jesse Puljujarvi's agent makes a concerning update on his NHL career

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Liam McCormick
January 28, 2024 (2:47 PM)

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Early in this past December, Jesse Puljujarvi finally earned himself a contract in North America and joined the Penguins AHL team on a professional tryout contract. According to the terms of the tryout, Puljujarvi can only play 25 games before the Penguins must decide to keep him or release him. Now with 11 games played, a decision will come soon - and things are looking uncertain according to Puljujarvi's agent.

In an interview with a Finnish publication, Puljujarvi's agent got candid about his future in the NHL. When he first joined the Penguins, Puljujarvi had a hard time adjusting and getting back to speed after his double hip resurfacing surgery, which has never been done before in the NHL. Puljujarvi's agent recognized the fact that he's had times where he's once again looked like an NHL player, but he's struggled to maintain that success. It's concerning for the agent to make this statement and essentially call into question whether Puljujarvi will be healthy enough to return to the NHL, or even professional hockey full time.

In his 11 game AHL tryout, Puljujarvi has managed to produce 4 goals and 8 points, which is promising production especially compared to his past struggles. Still, if there's any doubt Puljujarvi will be healthy enough to sign another NHL deal, many teams may not be interested in signing him. On the other hand, if a team is willing to take a risk and potentially burn money on LTIR, Puljujarvi could be a cheap two-way bottom six forward for almost any team.

The Penguins will have first dibs at signing him, but it's entirely possible that they allow Puljujarvi to become a free agent after the duration of the tryout.