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Edmonton Oilers: Will Puljujarvi Crack the Opening Night Roster

By Sammi Silber

Oct 8, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi (39) looks for a pass against the Vancouver Canucks in a preseason hockey game at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi (39) looks for a pass against the Vancouver Canucks in a preseason hockey game at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Edmonton Oilers prospect Jesse Puljujarvi showed great promise heading into the 2016-17 season. The 2016 fourth-overall pick was among the league’s most anticipated rookies.

Puljujarvi showed great speed and promise in the preseason, posting a goal and helping his linemates. Also, Puljujarvi was quick on his feet and displayed outstanding stickhandling ability. He finished with a goal and nine shots through six games and earned a spot on the opening night roster.

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers /

Edmonton Oilers

Despite having moments of offensive greatness and flashes of confidence, Puljujarvi did not contribute too much. Through 28 games with Edmonton, he scored just a single goal and eight points. While he was a plus-5 and helped add some size and speed to the bottom-six, he wasn’t putting up totals.

Not to mention, he lacked chemistry and readiness in other areas. Because of this, Edmonton sent the Finnish winger to the Bakersfield Condors for further development.

Moving Up the Depth Chart

Through 39 games with the Condors, Puljujarvi posted 12 goals and 28 points. He completely found his stride and showed tremendous speed and skill. Additionally, the 19-year-old completely helped the Condors offence stay afloat when Taylor Beck was traded away.

Thanks to more minutes in the AHL, as well as extra time to adjust to North American hockey, many wonder if Puljujarvi is ready to make an impact. Can he earn a full-time job in the NHL?

Absolutely. Puljujarvi has had enough time to adjust to the fast, bigger style of hockey, and is able to accommodate. He showed great speed and ability during his time with Bakersfield, and will likely know how to move up to the next level. He has taken the time to observe his play, improve on flaws and find his game moving forward.

Next: Edmonton Oilers Looking at Jan Rutta Per Reports

If he can just keep up his game and continue to push and find his stride, he will have no problem making the Oilers roster next season. He just has to be confident and prove he can put up points at the top level.

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