RW Jesse Puljujarvi
This will not come in as a surprise to everyone, as last offseason, there were loud rumors regarding the Oilers’ willingness to trade the disgruntled winger, Jesse Puljujarvi. However, nothing materialize and all trade fires were splashed away with ice cold water and Jesse was still with the Oilers.
The reluctance of Ken Holland to part ways with Puljujarvi during the offseason for no less than a second rounder proved to be costly. Holland was trying to sell high on an underperforming player with the hopes that Jesse will figure it out somehow. So far, that gamble by the Oilers management has not paid off as Puljujarvi has only managed to score 2 goals with 8 assists and a -12 +/- in 35 games this season. Those are horrendous numbers considering the Oilers gave Jesse every chance to be with McDavid on the top line especially with Evander Kane gone due to the wrist laceration he got against the Bolts.
Now the Oilers will be lucky to even trade Puljujarvi for maybe a fourth rounder at best. However, this trade must be done, as both sides need a change and the Oilers will have nothing to lose if the trade Jesse as it is believed he will go back to Europe after this season.