As the new NHL season approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are gearing up for what they hope will be a successful year. With a talented roster and high expectations, the team is looking to make a strong push towards the playoffs. However, one player who may not be a part of their plans is former top pick, Jesse Puljujarvi.
According to NHL analyst Jason Gregor, the Oilers are expected to demote Puljujarvi to the bottom-six this upcoming season. This news may come as a surprise to some, as Puljujarvi was once considered a top prospect and was drafted fourth overall by the Oilers in the 2016 NHL Draft. However, after three underwhelming seasons with the team, it seems that the Oilers are ready to make a change.
Puljujarvi’s time with the Oilers has been a rollercoaster ride. In his first season, he struggled to find his footing and only managed to score one goal in 28 games. The following year, he showed some improvement with 12 goals and 20 points in 65 games, but it still wasn’t enough to live up to the expectations of a top pick. Last season, Puljujarvi only played in 46 games and recorded just nine points before being sent down to the AHL.
It’s clear that Puljujarvi has not lived up to the hype surrounding him when he was drafted. However, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have potential. At just 21 years old, he still has time to develop and improve his game. The Oilers are hoping that by demoting him to the bottom-six, Puljujarvi will have the opportunity to gain more confidence and work on his skills without the pressure of being a top pick.
But what does this mean for the Oilers? With Puljujarvi potentially taking a step back, it opens up opportunities for other players to step up and make an impact. One player who could benefit from this is Kailer Yamamoto, who showed promise in his limited time with the team last season. With Puljujarvi out of the top-six, Yamamoto could have a chance to solidify his spot and make a bigger impact on the team.
It’s also worth noting that the Oilers have made some significant changes in the offseason, bringing in new faces such as James Neal and Markus Granlund. These additions could provide some much-needed depth and competition for Puljujarvi to earn his spot back in the top-six.
While it may seem like a setback for Puljujarvi, being demoted to the bottom-six could be the wake-up call he needs. It’s a chance for him to prove himself and show the team that he is capable of being a top player in the NHL. It’s also an opportunity for the Oilers to see if Puljujarvi can fit into their long-term plans or if it’s time to move on from the young forward.
In the end, it’s important to remember that Puljujarvi is still a young player with a lot of potential. He may not have met expectations so far, but that doesn’t mean he won’t in the future. The Oilers are making a smart move by giving him a chance to develop and grow as a player. And who knows, maybe we’ll see Puljujarvi back in the top-six sooner than expected.
As for the Oilers, they are heading into the new season with a strong and determined team. With the addition of new players and the potential for others to step up, they are ready to make a push for the playoffs. And while Puljujarvi may not be a part of the top-six, his demotion could be just what the team needs to reach their goals.
In conclusion, while it may be disappointing to see a former top pick being demoted, it’s important to trust in the decisions of the Oilers’ management. They have a plan in place for Puljujarvi and are giving him the opportunity to prove himself. It’s up to him to make the most of this chance and show the team that he belongs in the top-six. Only time will tell if Puljujarvi will rise to the challenge and become the player everyone expected him to be. But one thing is for sure, the Edmonton Oilers are ready to take on the new season with determination and a strong team mentality. Let’s go Oilers!