Former Oiler Jesse Puljujarvi signs tryout deal after contract termination

Earlier this week, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Jesse Puljujarvi agreed to mutual contract termination after he had been benched and sent to the AHL consistently.

According to Panthers reporter Chris Peters, the Florida Panthers organization have brought on Puljujarvi for a tryout contract on their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers.

It's a surprising move to see, just one day after the Pittsburgh Penguins terminated Puljujarvi's contract.

Puljujarvi reportedly wasn't happy with the Penguins treatment of him following his rehabs from complex hip surgery. Puljujarvi didn't want to be playing in the AHL, or continuously scratched which would affect his recovery. Maybe, he really just wanted out of Pittsburgh.

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas released a statement explaining that the team pursued contest termination with Puljujarvi at his request to grant him the chance to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

It was heavily assumed he would return to Finland, and that he was unwilling to play in the AHL. His willingness to take a AHL tryout with the Florida Panthers shows he's still trying to get back to the NHL, despite a tough path back.

The Edmonton Oilers drafted Jesse Puljujarvi 4th overall back in 2016. After playing 6 seasons with Edmonton and never living up to the offensive expectations of his draft position, the Oilers moved on from him, and he's been unable to stay in the NHL since with the Hurricanes and Penguins.

Puljujarvi is still produced some good results with the Penguins this season, putting up 3 goals and 9 points in 26 games. At the AHL level, he's tore it up with 3 points in 4 games. Oilers fans will be cheering for him to make it back to the NHL.