Despite news contract, Jesse Puljujarvi lands back on trade block

A week ago, forward Jesse Puljujarvi avoided arbitration when he signed a one-year contract worth $3 million with the Edmonton Oilers.

But that does not mean he will stay in Edmonton… there’s a ton of speculation about his future with the team. TSN 1260’s Dustin Nielson recently suggested Puljujarvi’s new contract could make him easier to trade. While GM Ken Holland has not mentioned his intentions, the Oilers need to make room on the cap space. After signing Kailer Yamamoto on Wednesday, Cap Friendly shows the Oilers are above the $82.5-million salary cap by $6.8 million. They’re expected to put sidelined players Oscar Klefbom and Mike Smith on long-term injury reserve for the coming season, but they will still be over the cap by $423K with restricted free agent Ryan McLeod still to sign.

David Staples of the Edmonton Journal believes Puljujarvi and Warren Foegele could be the Oilers’ top-two cost-cutting trade candidates.

A rumour is going around that Phil Kessel could be an addition to the Oilers’ roster. Prior to Yamamoto’s signing, Allan Mitchell of The Athletic wondered if moving out Puljujarvi and replacing him with Kessel could be an option.

Once again, Puljujarvi lands on the trade block. Will he be moved this time?