Jesse Puljujarvi levels Matthew Tkachuk and starts brawl with Panthers

In his time in the NHL, Jesse Puljujarvi has never been known to be a physical player despite his great size and strength. Now trying to make an impression with his new team in Pittsburgh, Puljujarvi decided to dial up the physical play and go after one of the league's biggest villains in Matthew Tkachuk. Puljujarvi levelled Tkachuk with a huge hit along the boards, and a brawl ensued right after.

Towards the end of the clip, Puljujarvi is seen forechecking behind the Panthers net when he gets sandwhiched between two players, including Tkachuck. Puljujarvi can be heard screaming out ‘Holy F**K!' and looking toward the referee, before deciding to get in a scrum and defend himself.

Just a few weeks ago, Puljujarvi officially signed an NHL contract with the Penguins organization after joining the team on a AHL tryout contract. After being dealt from Edmonton to Carolina last season, Puljujarvi sustained a hip injured which required a complex surgery, and kept him out of the lineup until recently. To this point, he's only played three games with the Penguins and has not recorded any points.


It's great to see Puljujarvi battle back from a severe injury and make a return to the NHL, and even add a clear physical element to his game. With this type of play, especially going after Matthew Tkachuk, Puljujarvi will quickly endear himself to his new Penguins teammates.