The Penguins have added forward Jesse Puljujärvi on a tryout basis, the team announced today.
Picked fourth overall by the Oilers in the 2016 Entry Draft, Puljujärvi possesses all the physical tools. The 25-year-old Finn is large (6’4” 205), can skate and isn’t afraid to bang (a career-high 139 hits last season).
He’s scored as many as 15 goals in a season (in 55 games in ’20-21) and logged a career-high 36 points (14+22) the following season. However, success…at least the type one would expect of a player with his pedigree…has proven elusive.
Hampered by injuries to both hips that required intensive off-season surgery, Puljujärvi’s output plummeted to five goals and 16 points in 75 games last season, including two assists in 17 games with the Hurricanes.