Puljujarvi has had moments of greatness and has proven to be capable of playing in the NHL. However, he has been quiet and hasn’t contributed much to the big scoreboard. Factor that in with the fact that he’s skating bottom-six minutes, and you question his role in the NHL.
With that in mind, the Oilers should consider sending him down to the AHL, and if he does report to Bakersfield, he could benefit.
The 18-year-old Finn is an excellent skater and proves to be capable of creating plays and carrying a line. However, the adjustment to North American hockey doesn’t happen overnight, and he could benefit from playing in the AHL and getting more of a sense with Bakersfield.