Edmonton Oilers: Puljujarvi Solid in First Season Game

The Edmonton Oilers recalled winger Jesse Puljujarvi from the Bakersfield Condors in wake of an injury to Anton Slepyshev, but they also want to see if he’s capable of a full-time roster spot.

Puljujarvi got a 28-game trial with the Oilers last season but had just a goal and eight points and was eventually sent down to the Condors. There, he registered 12 goals and 28 points through 39 games.

Edmonton Oilers

While he did have a two-goal game in the preseason and tried to win a spot heading into 2017-18, he was lacklustre, and ultimately started the year with Bakersfield. In 10 games with the Condors so far, Puljujarvi has racked up a goal and five points.

Considering the Oilers haven’t seen much success or offence so far this season, they need any kind of help they can get, and the Finnish winger was a viable option.

After sending Kailer Yamamoto back to juniors, the Oilers seemed to be without a lot of right wing depth, and they also haven’t gotten much scoring from beyond the top line. Therefore, it was time to see what Puljujarvi was capable of. And ultimately, the call-up was worth it.

Puljujarvi’s Ability

In the Oilers 4-2 loss to the New York Rangers, the 19-year-old played a solid overall game. He not only scored his first of the season in the losing effort but also registered five shots. Not only that, he showed great chemistry with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Milan Lucic and proved that he can step up to the plate and bring a lot of depth and scoring to the Edmonton lineup.

Right now, the Oilers need scoring, and if Puljujarvi is already stepping up early, he will stick around a lot longer. While it was only a one-game trial to see how he can put up, he showed a lot of speed and drive and was one of the positives in a tough game for Edmonton.

Not only that, but the Oilers aren’t getting a lot of effort from some of their permanent roster players, so it is nice to see him with early success. In addition, his call-up can provide incentive, and it will shake up the lineup, which will help the team thrive.

Next: Edmonton Oilers: Slepyshev on IR

Ultimately, it looks as though he is capitalizing on his opportunity, and if he can keep it up and give a strong effort each game, he will stay for much longer than expected – even when Slepyshev is ready to return.