About Jesse VII

As somebody who has complained more than once about all the ink that Jesse Puljujarvi has received in recent months during his ongoing saga with the Edmonton Oilers, here I am writing another item about what may or may not be happening with the Oilers and the big Finn. Sure.

The latest “news” in Puljujarvi’s wide-ranging storyline – the Oilers want to keep him, they want to trade him, he wants to stay in Edmonton, he wants to leave the city – today by way of Finnish newspaper Ilta Sanomat is he’s looking forward to coming back to Edmonton and playing for the Oilers again, I said, pardon?

With credit to Google translation in an item run in The Journal this morning, Puljujarvi sounded ready to roll and to get back into the mix. Could Puljujarvi, just inked to a one-year deal that’s worth $3 million, still be traded? Sure. With a raise in pay this season and a chance to play in the top six and increase his trade value, it makes no sense for Puljujarvi to make waves right now.

Even if Puljujarvi wants a ticket out of town, saying so at this point doesn’t help his cause. Saying all the right things, then reporting to camp and playing at the top of his game does. That’s just common sense – and my way of saying I can read what Puljujarvi is saying but I don’t know what he is thinking.

Puljujarvi on returning to the Oilers this season: “The plan is to enter the season with a full, hard attitude. Aiming for a better role and the plan is to give everything to the team. I want to play in a big role. This is the goal and that’s why I have practiced well all summer. Of course, I want to be a good player in a good team.”

Puljujarvi on media attention in Edmonton: “There has been writings about me for many years now. Sometimes it has gone better and sometimes worse. This whole time I have grown as a person and done my own thing — that is playing hockey and focusing on everyday life.

“I try to get the best out of me and at the same time enjoy the work. Yes, there will always be journalists and fans who write about things. I just try to take care of myself.”

GM Ken Holland did a segment today on the radio with Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer on 630 CHED, but they didn’t discuss the latest remarks by Puljujarvi.