Jesse Puljujarvi returns to NHL after contract termination

Puljujarvi has signed on with the Florida Panthers now, and after a stretch of games with their AHL team, is being called back up to enter the Panthers' lineup.

According to a statement from the Panthers today, the team is recalling Puljujarvi with two other players from the AHL, likely to get some rest for regular players before playoffs.

The Panthers are a heavily depleted team right now with injuries, giving them the ability to insert Puljujarvi back into the top six.

It's a big change for Puljujarvi to get back into the NHL so quickly, even as a depth player for a quality team, after his contract was terminated with the Penguins.

Pittsburgh healthy scratched Puljujarvi for long stretches at a time, which grew to annoy Puljujarvi especially while trying to rehab from a serious hip injury.

In his stint with the Panthers' AHL team, Puljujarvi seems to be on a mission to prove himself worthy of another shot. He's scored 5 goals and 12 points in 20 games.

Oilers fans will know the deal with their divisive former first round pick. Puljujarvi can skate hard and can put up good advanced stats, but has always struggled to contribute offensively or find an effective role in the NHL. Since leaving the Oilers, he's now bounced from Carolina, to Pittsburgh, to Florida in 3 seasons.

Still, Oilers fans will be hoping the best for their former player. While there may be some questions about his game, he always was a great personality in the locker room, and thrilled to represent Edmonton.