HOW GOOD IS JESSE PULJUJARVI?
By Lowetide
8 years agoThe World Juniors at Christmas and the U18s this month have given us a good look at Finnish winger Jesse Puljujarvi. Although generally regarded as the third or fourth best talent in this year’s draft, there is very little doubt he is an impact prospect. Who is Jesse Puljujarvi and can he help the Oilers?
Hopefully Puljujarvi is 100 percent for the game (6pm Edmonton time, from Grand Forks, North Dakota) and we get a chance to see the brilliant winger in a big game. He has had a positive impact in the tournament (3gp, 2-2-4 and 12 shots) and had an enormous game against the Americans yesterday. Source
SCOUTING REPORTS
- Steve Kournianos, The Draft Analyst: Puljujarvi is an extremely dangerous player who can be used in any
situation, and being 6’3 doesn’t hinder his ability to adapt to a
variety of situations; he can play on the power play, kill penalties,
take a man out with a hit or cleanly stickhandle in very tight spaces.
He owns an excellent shot, only it’s slightly less accurate than the
sharpshooting Laine. Puljujarvi’s at his best when he’s got the puck in
full flight, but that doesn’t mean he’s rendered useless during the
slogging matches. He’s really mature and has a genuine “die hard”
mentality. Even more impressive is that he rarely, if ever, gets
complacent. Source - Kelly Friesen (Scout’s take): “He’s a hungry attacker who blends size, quick in-tight mobility and a
seeing-eye shot to be dubbed one of the most feared attackers of his age
group. Puljujärvi is a high volume shooter who attacks seams with quick
powerful strides that separate him from opposing checkers. Inside the
offensive zone, Puljujarvi evades defenders using elusive inside-outside
cuts on the fly as he slashes off the half wall striking quickly. The
promising Finn utilizes his lengthy reach to shield off pressure
extremely well.” Source - Elite Prospects: 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. Doesn’t shy away from
physical play, but could use his size more to his benefit. Source - Goran Stubb, NHL Director of European Scouting. “He’s a powerful skater with good speed and balance,” said Goran
Stubb, NHL Director of European Scouting. “He has outstanding hockey
sense and reads the play well. He’s a good playmaker with strong
puck-handling skills. He can take advantage of 1-on-1 situations with
his long reach.” Source
WHAT ABOUT THE OILERS?
Patrik Laine has a very large group of boosters among Oilers Nation, to the point where (imo) Puljujarvi may be getting overlooked a little as a talent. For me, there is no doubt in the world that Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine are the top two players in the draft. I also believe a team like Edmonton is more likely to trade down if they select No. 3 or lower.
That should not be confused with Puljujarvi’s very clear ability and implied future. He is absolutely a fantastic prospect and if the Oilers draft him he will be a blast to follow as an NHL player.
Previously in the series:
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