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Penguins GM reveals reason behind contract termination for ex-Oiler Jesse Puljujarvi
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Pittsburgh Penguins terminated the contract of Jesse Puljujarvi today, and now GM Kyle Dubas has explained why the team released the former 4th overall draft pick.
When the Penguins terminated Puljujarvi's contract, it appeared that it may be the end of his NHL tenure - which has now been confirmed by Kyle Dubas.
Penguins GM Kyle Dubas reveals why he terminated Jesse Puljujarvi's contract
In a new statement released on social media today, Kyle Dubas confirmed the Penguins moved forward with mutual termination to allow Puljujarvi the opportunity to leave the NHL and play overseas.
As the season has gone on, we have worked with Jesse and his representative Markus Lehto to try and ensure that his hard work returning from serious injury was not lost and find him greater opportunity.
Over the last week those discussions have led to us granting Jesse his request for contract termination so he may explore opportunities with other organizations around the world.
- Kyle Dubas
Over the last week those discussions have led to us granting Jesse his request for contract termination so he may explore opportunities with other organizations around the world.
- Kyle Dubas
It's an extremely candid statement from the Penguins general manager, and clearly lays out Puljujarvi will be leaving the NHL to play overseas. Puljujarvi requested contract termination, as he didn't want to play in the AHL permanently.
Earlier this season, Puljujarvi admitted he was frustrated with the Penguins organization for benching and scratching him after rehabbing from complex surgery.
»It's frustrating. I worked for 1.5 years to be in good shape for the season, but it doesn't help. This is not nice. Yes, it eats a man» says Puljujärvi, annoyed
- Ilta-Sanomat, Translated from Finnish
- Ilta-Sanomat, Translated from Finnish
Dubas alluded towards exploring trades for Puljujarvi with other NHL teams, but clearly found no one interested. Puljujarvi was under contract for only $800K this season, and with no team willing to take him at that number, it's unlikely he was getting an NHL contract next season. Puljujarvi will likely return home to Finland, and play in Liiga.
Jesse Puljujarvi confirmed to be pursuing other opportunities around the world
Oilers fans know Puljujarvi well after drafting him 4th overall back in 2016. He went on to become a divisive player, who consistently produced quality analytics but could never find a lick of offence. For a 4th overall pick, a career high of 36 points is disappointing.
However, Puljujarvi was also a fan favourite in Edmonton and around the NHL for his overt positivity. Known affectionately as the Bison King in Edmonton, he was always a great person and personality for the team.
Oilers fans and hockey fans alike will be wishing Puljujarvi the best continuing his career in Europe next season.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 8 | 217 ANSWERS Penguins GM reveals reason behind contract termination for ex-Oiler Jesse Puljujarvi Do you think Puljujarvi will return to play in Liiga? | ||
| Yes | 145 | 66.8 % |
| No, somewhere else | 25 | 11.5 % |
| He's done | 47 | 21.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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