Jesse Puljujärvi’s NHL career has had enough headwinds. PDO
Jesse Puljujärvi made a surprise return to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
At least the Penguins special reporter for The Hockey News Kelsey Surmacz liked what he saw.
– Puljujärvi, who played for the first time since the seventh day of December, performed really well.
In his match report, Surmacz recounts Puljujärvi’s successful passes in detail and also mentions the stick lift in the defensive zone, which resulted in “another painting opportunity” from the counterattack.
Puljujärvi formed a “clicking chain” by Kevin Hayes and by Drew O’Connor with.
– This guy deserves a place in Thursday’s game against his former club Edmonton Oilers, Surmacz says.
– He caught my eye in a very good way.
In the Blue Jackets match, the standard equipment of the Penguins attack was missing Yevgeni Malkin.
Intervertebral disc herniation
Puljujärvi started the season strongly, but was relegated at the end of November healthy scratch – as a department member. In December, he played only one match.
Last week, the Penguins set Puljujärvi to waivers i.e. to the transfer list. None of the NHL organizations caught on, even though the seasonal salary is like the minimum, i.e. $800,000.
– There has been uncertainty when you don’t know where you are going the next day or what will happen, Puljujärvi told The Tribune-Review.
– I try to be a good professional hockey player and do my best both on and off the rink.
Puljujärvi has played 22 matches this season and recorded eight (3+5) power points.
– With Jesse, it’s never about a lack of company, penguin whip Mike Sullivan commented in a story in The Tribune-Review.
– He cares about his own playing. He cares about winning.
Puljujärvi underwent major hip surgery in the summer of 2023. A little less than a year ago, he signed a contract with the Penguins for two, or practically one and a half seasons.
– When he is at his best, he has the ability to influence the game with his size, reach, strength and skating, Sullivan assessed.
– Because of those things, he can be a difficult opponent.
The Penguins will host the Oilers early Friday morning Finnish time.