Former Oilers Fan Favourite Primed for Bounce Back Year with Pittsburgh Penguins
Photo credit: NHL
This preseason has given former Oilers fan favorite Jesse Pujujarvi a new lease on his career as he has been lighting it up over the past couple of weeks with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Penguins, who are during a season of question marks has given Puljujarvi a chance to show his skill set, his speed and his likeability as he has nestled in with the Penguins after spending some time with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Many members of the Penguins including head coach Mike Sullivan have taken notice on how Puljujarvi has come into camp in great shape it appears to be hungry to make noise on the score sheet and to help Penguins win hockey games.
In four exhibition games, Puljujarvi has dominated the stat line which includes four goals two of which are power play goals, 4 assists, almost 10 shots on goal several hits blocks and penalty minutes and over 15 minutes of ice time.
The 26-year-old right winger who stands at six foot 4 and 201 pounds was drafted in 2016 by the Oilers 4th overall. He along with many other first overall or first round draft picks were pegged to be the next dynasty of the Oilers but unfortunately many including himself did not pan out and struggled with the team during that era. In 2023 he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes prior to the trade deadline where he continued to struggle.
It became known that he had to undergo major surgery to his hips, and he took some time off from the league which allowed him to heal and become ready for another attempt.
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With his health back up to 100% and his determination very strong it remains to be seen on how his season will go with the Penguins. But if preseason is any indication, it's likely he will have a chance to acquire more minutes and key times like the power play which will boost his numbers and restore his confidence.
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