2 Mock Trades for Jesse Puljujarvi
The Edmonton Oilers have made the playoffs and their main focus is on winning one game at a time, with the ultimate goal of bringing Edmonton their first Stanley Cup in a long time. With that being said, they have some serious decisions to make in the coming months, including what to do with Finnish forward Jesse Puljujarvi. After a career year in Edmonton, fans fully expect the “Bison King” to be back with the Oil next season. With that being said though, there is a slim chance they decide to trade his rights away in a sign and trade deal. If that becomes a reality, here are 2 trades that the Edmonton Oilers could make.
The Stars have been rather quiet lately as far as trades go but with the team looking to become contenders quite soon, the move to bring in Puljujarvi could add some much needed offensive depth. If Puljujarvi doesn’t plan on re-signing with Edmonton and wants to leave, this trade makes so much sense for both teams. Obviously, I’ve listed a slight overpay. But this is what I see his value at, and the Oilers would be getting a depth piece and a very solid prospect in return for a guy that with some improved finishing ability, could be one of the best middle 6 forwards in the entire NHL.
This trade gives the Oilers a boost to their already stacked prospect pool, as well as gives almost a direct replacement for Puljujarvi. With the Oilers already contending, trading for depth while being a strong team that adds prospect capital is a team that will continue to be scary for years to come.
In the rare occasion Puljujarvi doesn’t come back, teams will have leverage against the Oilers. I can see the Lightning making a move to try and bolster their forward group even more IF they don’t go too far in the playoffs this season. I considered Ross Colton and a 2nd, but that might be a slight underpay. The Oilers likely won’t be getting too much back if teams know Jesse doesn’t wanna return, but if the Lightning want to work with the Oilers on a sign and trade, this makes sense.
This would have to be a sign and trade for both sides. Puljujarvi is an RFA, while Paul is a UFA. Both guys would have to agree to new contracts with their new teams before the trade goes through. The Oilers also bring back Maroon, who is famous for having a career year alongside Connor McDavid. Paul and Puljujarvi will likely sign similar contracts as far as cap hits go as well.
Both of these trades could end up benefiting the Oilers, but management has to play it right. Re-signing and then trading him would boost his value a little bit, but even then the team wouldn’t get his true value back in a trade. With the Oil having a lot of players that need re-signing and a lack of money to do it with, a Puljujarvi trade isn’t completely out of the question.
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