Law and Order EDM: The Case For Puljujarvi’s Demotion

Jordan Eberle.

That’s the only name ahead of Jesse Puljujarvi on the RW depth chart, omitting Leon Draisaitl due to his natural centre position. With that being stated, it seems I would be taking crazy pills to suggest the Oilers need to send Jesse Puljujarvi down.

I’ve been very open about my reasons for Puljujarvi needing a stint in the AHL, and that I really believe Puljujarvi is still on track to become an incredible NHL star. Here’s my reasons for sending Puljujarvi down.

REASON ONE: AHL DEVELOPMENT

The NHL is not a developmental league, even though the Oilers tried to use it as one. Development is what the AHL is for.

Jesse Puljujarvi is currently the youngest player in the NHL, and while he has had chances playing on Connor McDavid’s right wing (where he will likely spend the majority of his career) and even had chances on the power play, Puljujarvi has seen his ice time dip to below 10 minutes in a few games and even a few stints in the press box.

Puljujarvi is wasted in the press box and as a fourth line player. His situation is similar to another fellow Finnish hockey prospect in Mikko Rantanen of the Colorado Avalanche. Rantanen was a first round draft pick in 2015, taken 10^th overall. Rantanen made the Avalanche out of training camp received a nine game trial.

Rantanen played less than 10 minutes a game and failed to record a point. Rantanen was then sent to the AHL to play out the remainder of the season. Rantanen flourished in the AHL scoring 60 points in 52 games.

Today, Rantanen is taking a regular shift with the Colorado Avalanche and he is producing. He had a full season to adapt to the North American game and gain confidence as an offensive player.

Jesse Puljujarvi can take a similar path and absolutely tear up the NHL with one year of North American hockey under his belt.

REASON TWO: ANTON SLEPYSHEV’S IMPROVED GAME

Anton Slepyshev has taken some nights off in the press box in favour of Puljujarvi and I made my displeasure known.

Slepyshev can contribute to the Oilers now, and his game has continuously improved on both sides of the ice. Slepyshev has more experience as a pro hockey player with his KHL experience combined with last season’s split between the NHL and AHL.

One thing that is impressive about Slepyshev’s game is his ability to correct his mistakes. If Slepyshev loses the puck in the neutral zone, he’s the first guy back to prevent any scoring chance against on his dime. That’s what makes him a player that McLellan wants to utilize.

REASON THREE: CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

While I would have liked for Puljujarvi to be demoted before his entry level contract kicked in, the Oilers seem more concerned about the 39^th game rule buying an extra year of restricted free agency options. The Oilers used the same plan on Leon Draisaitl and it worked out for him.

Another fun thing would be to see Puljujarvi assigned before reaching his 25^th NHL game so he can compete for the Calder Trophy next season. No Oiler has ever won the Calder Trophy and that is just simply madness.

REASON FOUR: OTHER OPTIONS AT RIGHT WING

Leon Draisaitl moving to Connor McDavid’s right wing has contributed to Puljujarvi’s most recent trip to the press box. Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have regained their chemistry and the likes of Tyler Pitlick, Anton Slepyshev and Zack Kassian are playing their roles perfectly on their lines.

Down the road, the Oilers can look into adding veterans like Jarome Iginla to the lineup for a playoff run.

CONCLUSION

I love Jesse Puljujarvi. He is going to be a tremendous NHL player for many years to come, but it’s not going to happen this season.

I truly believe the Oilers can win without him this year and his development is more important than him sitting in the press box eating pizza at NHL games.

Kris Hansen will have his rebuttal later…