Ken Holland Makes A Shocking Revelation About Jesse Puljujarvi

PUBLICATION

Julien Trekker
March 1, 2023 (1:31 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Yesterday, the Edmonton Oilers made a move to end the ongoing rumors surrounding forward Jesse Puljujarvi, trading him to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Patrik Puistola. The primary motive behind this move was to clear up Puljujarvi's cap space, which has been a significant focus for the Oilers' management.

However, GM Ken Holland's statement to the media this morning revealed a crucial factor that played a role in the decision to trade Puljujarvi. Holland mentioned that Puljujarvi and his representatives had expressed no desire to stay in Edmonton, which was a significant factor that led to the decision to trade him.

"I tried to sign him to a deal moving forward (one-year extension at lower AAV). He is an NHL player, but he wasn't going to sign so we moved him and that gives us $2.8m in cap space to work with before Friday.

He wasn't going to accept a one-year extension so then I knew his time was numbered here. Carolina has had interest for some time. Hopefully it works out well for Carolina, for Jesse and for us."

This isn't really surprising as Puljujarvi struggled since the beginning of his career in Edmonton. In 317 games with the Oilers, the 24 year-old winger scored 112 points, including 51 goals.