Former first round pick forced to sign professional tryout to keep NHL career alive

After being cleared for contact by doctors late last week, former fourth overall pick Jesse Puljujarvi is back in the National Hockey League.

On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced that they've signed Jesse Puljujarvi to a professional tryout contract (PTO).




During the summer, Puljujarvi underwent double hip surgery and was working very hard to get back up to speed in his recovery in order to play in the National Hockey League this season.

The 25-year-old spent time with the Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes during the 2022-23 season, putting up 16 points (five goals, 11 assists), 32 penalty minutes and was a minus-13 in 75 games.

Puljujarvi will likely only be involved in practices at this point, similar to what Jaroslav Halak did with the Hurricanes last month. But, if the Penguins believe he could be a valuable addition to their lineup and that he looks healthy in practice, there's no doubt that he could earn an NHL contract with them.