Edmonton Oilers Sign F Jesse Puljujärvi, Avoiding Arbitration

Per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Edmonton Oilers & Jesse Puljujärvi have averted salary arbitration & agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract for the 2022-23 season.

Puljujärvi's case is an interesting one. As a former 4th Overall pick, he does carry more leverage than the average NHL RFA. He's a dominant player, but his lack of end-product hurts his value at the end of the day. In 259 NHL games, he has only managed 98 points. This is while playing on a highly potent Edmonton Oilers offense with guys like Connor McDavid & Leon Draisaitl. A deep-dive into the player suggests that he makes his teammates better, and players like McDavid & Draisaitl tend to have higher goal differentials with him on the ice.

But if a guy can't score points with those two, is there anyone with whom he CAN score points? It is a valid question.

His microstats, courtesy of JFresh Hockey & Corey Sznajder portray a forward with a knack for generating shots off the forecheck & maintaining possession. But they also highlight his troubles playmaking & finishing. Which is flat-out unacceptable when playing with McDavid, but is that a reason to give up on a player? Especially one with such strong underlying numbers like Puljujärvi? Valeri Nichushkin would like a word.

The possibility Ken Holland finds a suitable trade partner for JP remains open, but the signing indicates the Oilers will simply kick that can down the road & revisit negotiations next summer. Which could come back to bite them if Puljujärvi has a terrific season. If not, then he won't stay with the organization much longer. But the Oilers are fresh off a Western Conference Final appearance, and their team looks strong heading into 2022-23.

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