After three years without success in Edmonton, Jesse Puljujarvi is waiting for a fresh start with a new NHL club, playing hockey overseas while he waits for the Oilers to address his trade request.
It seems to be working out for him so far as he looks to prove that he is a capable NHL player.
Having joined Liiga's Karpat Oulu on Aug. 27, the 21-year-old has impressed in his first two games with the club. In his Sept. 1 debut against SC Bern, Puljujarvi netted an assist on the first goal of the game from Michal Kristof.
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On Thursday, he took things to the next level, showing off his skills with his first goal of the season in a highlight-reel play.
Utilizing his speed, Puljujarvi picked up a stretch pass and went in all alone, putting the puck on a string and sneaking it past the goaltender to give Karpat a 2-1 lead.
A beauty from Jesse Puljujarvi
— Here's Your Replay ⬇️ (@HeresYourReplay) September 5, 2019
2-1 Karpat pic.twitter.com/Lpss0TtHQu
The 6-foot-4, 201-pound winger posted just 17 goals and 37 points in 139 games with Edmonton. Last season, Puljujarvi's inconsistency led to limited ice time and multiple healthy scratches. Earlier in the offseason, he officially requested a trade from Edmonton, wanting more ice time and opportunity elsewhere.
"I want a team where I get a place in one of the first two lines and where I get to play for 15 minutes per game," Puljujarvi told Laari, a Finnish television station (via TSN). "Then I could show what I'm going for. That is my main goal."
Puljujarvi, who was taken fourth overall in the 2016 NHL Draft, could generate more attention — and prove that he still has what it takes to be a top prospect — if he keeps up the great play in Finland.