NHL Trade rumors: Looking at the potential fit for Pittsburgh and Edmonton’s Jesse Puljujarvi

One interesting name headed towards the top of recent trade rumors is that of Edmonton’s Jesse Puljujarvi. The 21-year old forward was the fourth overall pick back in 2016 by the Oilers, but has had a rocky up-and-down, start-and-stop first three seasons as a professional.

His hockeydb:

Now news is coming out that the Oil “are willing to accommodate” a trade request that’s been reported pretty loudly.

Should Pittsburgh be interested? As always, depends on the price.

TSN’s Ryan Rishaug suggested the price might not be too high, saying in a tweet “If Puljujarvi deal can land a 3line F, they do it, if not they may stand pat“.

If that’s the case and a player like Nick Bjugstad or Bryan Rust are enough to go the other way, the Penguins interest should be piqued. Rust in particular seems like the type of player that new EM GM Ken Holland has favored over the years as a speedy, hard-working winger.

To get an Edmonton perspective, Oilersnation had the following thoughts on a potential Puljujarvi return:

I personally think the Oilers might be able to do what the Coyotes did earlier this season and package Puljujarvi with a player like Ethan Bear or Jujhar Khaira to try and acquire a more established NHLer. If they can use two assets to bring in a proven 20-25 goal guy, then they should be all over that.

It’s clear that Puljujarvi would prefer a fresh start elsewhere and given the place the Oilers are in right now, I think bringing in a more reliable piece than Puljujarvi would be a bonus.

If I’m Pittsburgh I’m not interested in a package, and probably just try to sell Rust or Bjugstad on having that 20ish goal potential with a healthy season. Rust has also been a reliable winger for Sidney Crosby, which wouldn’t go unnoticed by the Oilers who could badly need a guy that knows how to go to the net and can work with Connor McDavid.

Puljujarvi is a splashy name in the trade market and with a very public assertation of trade availabilty it won’t be a secret to anyone and offers may pour in. It will be interesting to see if the Pens show any interest here and make a move that might not be without risk but will also potentially make them more skilled (and cheaper) going forward.