Penguins coach robs Puljujarvi in his return to Edmonton

Many Oilers fans were expecting to see one of their former favourites in Jesse Pujujarvi making his return to Rogers Place after his trade to the Carolina Hurricanes after his six year stay with the Oilers. The 25-year-old right winger was on the ice for the first time as he took in his morning skate.

But it appears likely that head coach Mike Sullivan had other plans for him.


Pujujarvi, while recovering from double hip surgery during the off season, he received word that he could try out for the Pittsburgh Penguins. After showing promise, general manager Kyle Dubas awarded him with a one-year deal.


In my opinion, it seems wrong to keep him out in front of the fans that did support him while he was with the Oilers. Though the outcome was not what the team or the fan base expected from him he seemed to be a fan favorite amongst many as he tried to find himself.

He has played eight games thus far and has had no points in his return to the NHL. With the season winding down and the likelihood of the Penguins making the playoffs dwindling every day, it's likely Pujujarvi will be released at the end of this year. I still feel that he should be given one chance to play in front of his former team.