Jesse Puljujarvi about his fallout with the Pittsburgh Penguins
Recently, it was announced that Jesse Puljujarvi was placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination. While he has a new opportunity with the Florida Panthers organization (Charlotte Checkers) Jesse Puljujarvi opened up about his challenges with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization in an exclusive Finnish Interview.
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, Puljujarvi spoke candidly to the Finnish publication Iltalehti about his struggles in Pittsburgh this season. He admitted that he had no room to grow in the Penguins organization, which promoted a mutual termination.
I was at a dead end. There was no view in Pittsburgh. That's why we ended up with such a solution.
At this point in my career, I didn't think about money at all. I want to enjoy hockey, play and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt it was important.
- Jesse Puljujarvi
If I had gone to Europe, I certainly wouldn't have had the chance to play in the NHL again this season. And playing in the NHL has always been my goal.
My NHL value is not very good. On the other hand, I had already not played for a couple of months at the point when I was put on the transfer list. All that can be said is that the level here is tough. Of course, the teams have their own youngsters and so on.
-Jesse Puljujarvi
Just as Jesse Puljujarvi's career appeared to be over, the Florida Panthers organization (Charlotte Checkers) send shockwaves down the NHL by signing the big Finn to a professional tryout offer.
Puljujarvi appeared in 26 games this season with Pittsburgh, where he had three goals, nine points, 45 hits, and a minus-1 rating. This included posting five points in his first six games but also just four in his final 20 contests with Pittsburgh.
Puljujärvi also came into the 2024-25 campaign fresh off a double hip surgery, a procedure notoriously difficult to come back from.
While Puljujuarvi's future in the NHL remains uncertain, it appears that the hockey Gods have blessed him with one more chance. Will he make the most of it? Time will tell.
Previously on Oilers Central
POLL |
FEVRIER 12 | 238 ANSWERS Jesse Puljujarvi about his fallout with the Pittsburgh Penguins Will Jesse Puljujarvi ever play in the NHL again? |
Yes | 52 | 21.8 % |
No | 186 | 78.2 % |
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