Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl has weighed in on the ongoing situation with teammate Jesse Puljujärvi. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Draisaitl said he would gladly welcome Puljujärvi back with open arms should the situation change, but he's not certain that will happen.
"You obviously want guys to pan out and want guys to help you on your team, but again, it seems like he doesn't want to be on our team as of right now. Maybe that changes. But again, we have people that are paid a lot of money to make those decisions."
Puljujarvi has signed a one-year deal with his hometown team of Oulun Karpat of the Finnish Elite League. It includes an NHL out-clause should he reach a deal with Edmonton, or another team, by December 1st. Restricted free agents must have a deal in place by that deadline or sit out the entire season.
Draisaitl told reporters last season was a frustrating one, as the Oilers missed the playoffs for the 2nd straight season.
"It's a team sport and we all play the game to make the playoffs and win the Stanley Cup. We don't play games to break records or something. Obviously that comes along with it, but you play the game to be successful as a team and we haven't been doing that. Hopefully we can turn things around."
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