Metropolitan Division team could target Jesse Puljujarvi for PTO

It's been a wild year for 2016 fourth overall pick Jesse Puljujarvi. He finally got a fresh start after being dealt by the Edmonton Oilers to the Carolina Hurricanes in late February, but his stint in Raleigh didn't go as he expected.

In 17 games during the regular season with the Hurricanes, Puljujarvi had only two assists and only appeared in seven of their 11 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Once the season ended, Puljujarvi underwent double hip surgery, which he's continuing to recover from and was not issued a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.

It's unclear what Puljujarvi's options may be for the 2023-24 season, but Sammi Silber of The Hockey News suggested that the Washington Capitals should bring him in on a professional tryout contract this Fall.


Silber says that signing Puljujarvi would be a low-risk, but with plenty of upside given his age and the talent he could bring to the Capitals' lineup, if he's able to rediscover what made him a top prospect ahead of the draft in 2016. Silber also noted that Puljujarvi's size and frame has allowed him to get better on the forecheck and in puck battles.

While Puljujarvi may not be ready for the start of training camp, Silber mentions that he could be brought in and placed on injured reserve to start the year, much like Max Pacioretty, and come back whenever he's ready.

Earlier on Monday, a video was shared to social media of Puljujarvi skating and shooting only three months after having double hip surgery, which is a very good sign and could mean that he's much closer to a return to game action than many had expected.



Do you think the Washington Capitals would be a good fit for Jesse Puljujarvi? Let us know what you think in the poll below!

Source: Sammi Silber - The Hockey News