Jesse Puljujärvi is still in the NHL.
Jesse Puljujärvi’s career continues on the Charlotte Checkers team. Aop
Jesse Puljujärvi, who has got the departure passes from Pittsburgh Penguins, continues in the Farm League AHL. The Finnish striker signed a try out agreement with the AHL club Charlotte Checkers.
– I saw the opportunity in this option. If I play well, I may still be able to play in the NHL this season. It has always been my goal. This is now my route, Puljujärvi tells Iltalehti.
-There is still a lot of AHL. I haven’t played terribly this season. I need games now. The tune may not be the best right now, but it comes through games.
-This is a try out agreement. If it works, then a NHL agreement is made. I’m looking forward to going to a new place. I want to help the team there my best, Pulju says.
There are currently no other Finnish hockey players playing at Checkers.
Puljujärvi moved from Pittsburgh to his new hometown Charlotte on Tuesday morning local time.
– I just started driving. The drive is about seven hours.
There were alternatives
Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan did not see an NHL player in Puljujärvi. Aop
Puljujärvi could have returned to Europe as well. According to Iltalehti, at least the Geneva team from Switzerland offered the attacker a good deal. Zurich Lions was also involved in the charts.
– I had alternatives in different countries in Europe. Now I ended up with this option. I’m not giving up on the NHL yet. I was already here in North America, so it was easy to stay here. I can return to Europe later, 26-year-old Puljujärvi thinks.
Bad feeling
Puljujärvi played a total of 48 matches in the Pittsburgh Penguins this season and scored 9 goals and 13 power points.
Time in the Penguins did not only leave the man’s mind.
– After all, that time didn’t have a very good feeling. I would have liked to play more games in the Penguins. Somehow I ended up in a dead end there.
Who decided about your role there, head coach or General Manager?
– In Pittsburgh, the head coach decides who will play. I have nothing else to say.
The words are addressed directly to the Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan.