Oilers may have the opportunity to bring back Jesse Puljujärvi on waivers
The waiver wire has been the centre of discussion for the past few weeks in the NHL, and the Oilers might have the opportunity to bring a former 1st overall pick back home.
The NHL waiver wire is really beginning to pick up as AHL training camps begin this week. The Oilers have already sent most of their prospects packing, and some will be available on waivers for interested NHL teams.
A total of 28 players were placed on waivers on Tuesday. They're all up for grabs by the other NHL teams for a period of 24 hours. Whoever is not claimed is eligible to be assigned to the minors.
With that being said, former Edmonton Oilers 1st round draft pick Jesse Puljujärvi aka "Pool Party" aka "The Bison King" is still fighting for a spot on the Pittsburgh Penguins roster. He had an impressive showing his first few preseason games, notching 5 goals, but the Penguins might already be too deep of a team to offer him a contract.
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, If Puljujarvi doesn't make the Penguins roster, he'll have to go through waivers to be assigned to the NHL. In the final days of preseason, he's still battling for the 13th forward position.
Now 26 years old, Puljujarvi was selected 4th overall by the Oilers back in 2016. He was a fan favourite in Edmonton and an incredible person, but wasn't able to bring consistency to his level of play and scoring. He never lived up the expectations of such a high draft pick, and the Oilers traded him to Carolina in 2023.
Now, a new conversation has sparked regarding the Oilers bringing Puljujarvi back on waivers. Personally, I don't think the Oilers should pull the trigger on him. He's known to be streaky, but his inconsistencies and lack of confidence could be detrimental to the team.
This could only happen if Puljujarvi fails to make the Penguins, but it does make an interesting conversation for Oilers fans. Could it really happen? Only time will tell.
source: Oilers Daily
Oilers May Have Opportunity to Claim Former First Round Draft Pick on Waivers
