Just Who Is Jesse Puljujarvi?

With the 4th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, the Oilers selected Jesse Puljujarvi from Oulun Kärpät of the Finnish Liiga. Puljujarvi was expected to be taken 3rd overall (behind Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine), but the Columbus Blue Jackets flipped the script and selected Pierre-Luc Dubois with the 3rd overall pick, leaving Puljujarvi on the draft floor for the Oilers to pick up.

Just Who Is Jesse Puljujarvi?

Puljujarvi played two seasons for Kärpät (as a 16- and 17-year old); in 71 regular season games over two seasons, he put up 17-22-39. The number may not be as impressive as if he’d played junior hockey in North America, but it’s important to remember that he was a teenager playing against grown men for those two seasons. Puljujarvi also led Finland to a World Junior Hockey Championship gold medal in 2016, tallying 5-12-17 in 7 games. He was only 17 at the 2016 WJHC, but he managed to impress just about everyone who had the chance to watch him play.

What Are His Skills?

At 6’3″ and 203 pounds, Puljujarvi is the Oilers biggest first round pick since the rebuild started, which is a marked shift from the last few years at the draft.

According to EliteProspects:

Puljujärvi is a big winger who combines size, skating and skill. A strong skater who can blast past the opposition in full speed. Able to use his size, reach and stickhandling skills to retain the puck in speed. A smart player at both ends of the ice, both on and off the puck. Great work ethic and positive attitude. More of a playmaker than a scorer and could improve his shooting skills, although already equipped with an accurate release. Doesn’t shy away from physical play, but could use his size more to his benefit.

Puljujarvi is likely the most complete player taken in the 2016 NHL Draft. He’s a strong skater and excels at both passing and puck handling. He has a high hockey IQ and plays well across the rink. His style of play has drawn comparisons to Teemu Selanne, but Puljujarvi himself has downplayed that connection.

What Can We Expect?

From The Hockey Writers:

Puljujarvi projects as a top-line winger who can eventually dominate games. He does so many things well on both ends of the ice. Even if he has an off night on offence, he can make up for that was with defensive play. He’s one of the most intriguing prospects of the last 10 years. It’s just a matter of time before he makes a major impact on the NHL.

Puljujarvi has the skill to make the Oilers roster out of training camp. He most certainly has the potential to be a top-line player and I can only imagine the potential offensive firepower of a pairing of Puljujarvi and McDavid, perhaps even reminiscent of the days of Gretzky and Kurri.

Will He Be A Long Term Oiler?

Before this offseason, I would have said “absolutely” without hesitation. Since the Hall trade, however, we’ve learned that nothing is certain except for Connor McDavid. After being drafted, Puljujarvi was visibly excited to be joining the Edmonton Oilers organization, and I sincerely hope that he doesn’t lose his obvious love of the game playing on a mediocre team. That said, unless Puljujarvi ends up more like Jason Bonsignore than Taylor Hall, I can see him streaking up the wing for years to come.