The Edmonton Oilers will be facing off against the Pittsburgh Penguins tomorrow night, and they'll be playing against Jesse Puljujarvi for the first time.
The Oilers selected Puljujarvi fourth overall back in 2016, hopeful that he could be an elite player. As a 6'4 right shot forward with a scoring touch in junior hockey, he showed potential to become one of the premier power forwards in the game. Unfortunately, Puljujarvi could just never maintain consistent success, and the Oilers dealt him to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2022.
Now back for the first time as a visiting player in Rogers Place, Puljujarvi reflected time with the Edmonton Oilers in a new interview with Daily Hive.
"I'm excited to play my first game against the Oilers. Lot of memories, played my first game, over 300 games, so there's a lot of memories. Good games, bad games. It was really good to be part of the Oilers."Puljujarvi is currently on the comeback from a significant hip surgery that cost him all but 22 games last season. He struggled coming back from the injury, but now has found his scoring groove in the Penguins bottom six after a productive training camp. After being healthy scratched for one game, Puljujarvi has 1 goal and 5 points in 7 games so far this year. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan has raved about Puljujarvi's game several times early this year.
Facing his old team, Puljujarvi knows it won't be easy for the Penguins to leave with a win. Puljujarvi paid respect that the Oilers stars are the best players in the world, so he's looking to bring his best effort.
"It's gonna be hard. Couple world best players, so we have to be really ready to play hard."
- Jesse PuljujarviPuljujarvi might not have been a solid success on the ice for his draft position, but he earned the love of Oilers fans for his hard work, positive attitude, and embracing the city of Edmonton. There will surely be a nice video tribute to Puljujarvi tomorrow night, and hopefully a warm welcome from Oilers fans.
