It's nothing new that Jesse Puljujarvi and the Oilers want to part ways. A fresh start for Puljujarvi is needed to instill his confidence he has seemed to have lost playing in Edmonton.
The Predators need some help on the wing, and it could be a perfect match for both teams. The Oilers intent is to clear out some cap space before the March 3rd trade deadline. They want to make some move and need the space to do that.
The Nashville club had shown some interest in Puljujarvi in the offseason, but nothing became of it.
A prospective deal could be that the Preds trade Cody Glass to the Oilers for Puljujarvi. Glass earns $874,125 and is a restricted free agent at the end of this season, as is Puljujarvi. Puljujarvi's cap hit is $3 million and Nashville could fit him in on their cap limit, which stands at $3.1 million.
Glass is 23 years old, while Puljujarvi is 24. Glass would need to be re-signed, but it still would save the Oilers some cap space. Glass, like Puljujarvi is struggling with just four goals, nine assists in 33 games. A change of scenery for both players may do them a world of good.
We will need to wait and see what happens, but it seems clear that both teams would benefit from a deal as suggested here. They could blossom into regular NHL starters once they get settled in with a new team.
Both players are excellent puck possession contributors. Puljujarvi has 50 goals, 58 assists in 304 career NHL games. His size 6'-4", 201 pounds could really help the Nashville front line.
Glass has potential and may just require some additional ice time to get him going. He only has 13 goals, 23 assists in 107 NHL games.
POLL | ||
Would a Jesse Puljujarvi for Cody Glass trade work for both teams? | ||
It sure would | 48 | 38.4 % |
No, don't see that happening | 41 | 32.8 % |
Jesse has to go! | 24 | 19.2 % |
Glass needs a chance to shine | 12 | 9.6 % |
List of polls |