Oilers: 3 potential landing spots for Jesse Puljujarvi on a trade

EDMONTON, CANADA - DECEMBER 23: Jesse Puljujarvi #13 of the Edmonton Oilers battles with Oliver Ekman-Larsson #23 of the Vancouver Canucks in the third period on December 23, 2022 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Lawrence Scott/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, CANADA - DECEMBER 23: Jesse Puljujarvi #13 of the Edmonton Oilers battles with Oliver Ekman-Larsson #23 of the Vancouver Canucks in the third period on December 23, 2022 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Lawrence Scott/Getty Images)
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Oct 20, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes forward Paul Stastny (26) battles with Edmonton Oilers defensemen Cody Ceci (5) in front of goaltender Jack Campbell (36) during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes forward Paul Stastny (26) battles with Edmonton Oilers defensemen Cody Ceci (5) in front of goaltender Jack Campbell (36) during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Hurricanes

Another team that might be looking for reinforcement like the Edmonton Oilers is the Carolina Hurricanes. This trade scenario is much ideal for the Canes more than the Oilers. The Metropolitan Division-leading Hurricanes will be looking for some upgrades to bolster their lineup for their playoff push. Why will the Canes be looking for a player like Jesse Puljujarvi? The answer lies within Carolina’s top 6 with Sebastian Aho, a fellow Finnish player. The Canes might be intrigued if they can unlock Puljujarvi if they play him alongside a Finnish star.

Much like the Edmonton Oilers, the Hurricanes are also tight against the cap, so acquiring Puljujarvi will need some tinkering from both teams.

Let’s face it, due to Puljujarvi’s down year, the Edmonton Oilers will not be able to move him on a trade for an upgrade if they do not pair him with a draft pick, or another player. This was the mistake created by Holland when he gambled on not trading low on Jesse last offseason, and it backfired on him.  Trading Puljujarvi for a late-rounder might be a tough pill to swallow, but that is the price the Oilers have to pay for being stubborn in how they handled the situation.