Jesse Puljujarvi signs PTO contract in the AHL

This just in, former 4th overall NHL draft pick Jesse Puljujarvi has signed a professional tryout (PTO) contract with the Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins, AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Check it out:

From the team's official press release announcement:

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins announced today that they have signed forward Jesse Puljujärvi to a professional tryout agreement.

Puljujärvi has 334 games of NHL experience, accrued as a member of the Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes. The fourth overall selection at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft has 51 goals and 63 assists for 114 career NHL points.

Puljujärvi, 25, signed a PTO with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Dec. 10, 2023.

Born in Sweden but raised in Tornio, Finland, Puljujärvi last suited up in the AHL during the 2018-19 campaign. He picked up four points (2G-2A) in four games with the Bakersfield Condors that season. In 53 career AHL games, all played with Bakersfield, he has 15 goals and 22 assists for 37 points.

Prior to being drafted by Edmonton, Puljujärvi starred at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championships. He won a gold medal for Finland and was named Most Valuable Player after leading the tournament in assists (12) and points (17). He also made his professional debut for Oulun Kärpät in 2014 when he was still 16-years-old.

The 25 year old forward underwent double hip surgery this past offseason and has not played a game since last season. He ended the 2022-23 campaign with the Carolina Hurricanes, putting up just two assists in 17 games. He managed five goals and 14 points in 58 games with the Edmonton Oilers last season as well, prior to his trade to Carolina. 

It appears that this move by the Penguins was orchestrated by GM Kyle Dubas in the hopes that Puljujarvi can get himself back into playing shape by playing and practicing with the 'Baby Penguins' down in the AHL. If he proves that he's worth another shot at the NHL, don't be surprised if he earns himself a league minimum salaried contract with the NHL's Penguins. Stay tuned.