Ken Holland Gets Brutally Honest and Reveals Jesse Puljujarvi Did Not Want to be an Edmonton Oiler

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Skyler Walker
March 1, 2023 (8:26 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers have officially moved on from forward Jesse Puljujarvi, a former 4th overall pick who never truly reached his potential. Over the last two years Ken Holland reportedly attempted to put him on the trading block, but no interest was shown from opposing general managers.

The return the Oilers received was nothing special whatsoever, a player that has not even graced the NHL yet, but the Oilers moved Puljujarvi's cap space which was the main end goal. But when Ken Holland addressed the media this morning, it was reported that Puljujarvi and his camp did not want to stay in Edmonton...

Ken Holland stated the following:

«I tried to sign him to a deal moving forward (one-year extension at lower AAV). He is an NHL player, but he wasn't going to sign so we moved him and that gives us $2.8m in cap space to work with before Friday.»

«He wasn't going to accept a one-year extension so then I knew his time was numbered here. Carolina has had interest for some time. Hopefully it works out well for Carolina, for Jesse and for us.» Holland on Puljujarvi.

This definitely comes as a surprise, but not at the same time. A fresh start will do Puljujarvi very good, best wishes 'Bison King'!