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Jesse Puljujarvi on trade from Edmonton Oilers to Carolina Hurricanes: ‘I’m getting a new opportunity and I’m excited about that’

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Photo credit:© Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Zach Laing
1 year ago
The days ahead are bright for Jesse Puljujarvi.
After a tough few years back with the Edmonton Oilers that saw his confidence plummet, the team traded him Tuesday morning to the Carolina Hurricanes for prospect Patrik Puistola.
While Ken Holland spoke with Edmonton media earlier in the day, Puljujarvi spoke with media out in Carolina and had this to say. All quotes are via Ryan Henkel, a Hurricanes reporter for canescountry.com.
Puljujarvi on Edmonton: “There were good times and hard times. I enjoyed a lot of guys. It was a pleasure to be a part of it and be an NHL player. I’m getting a new opportunity and I’m excited about that.”
On being a Hurricane: “At first I was like, ‘Really?’ and after that I was excited and happy. I’m really excited and happy to be part of Carolina right now.”
On playing with Sebastian Aho: “I’m really good friends with Aho. We have played many years at the juniors and been friends over the last 10 years. Working in the same summer group. It’s really fun to get to play in the NHL on the same team.”
On connections with new teammates: “I know Teuvo pretty well too. We have (been in) the same summer group for a couple of years. I know him well and we play golf in the summer too. The other Finns I know a little bit, but not that well. I know everyone a little bit.”
On Carolina as a team: “I know they have a really good team with young guys and that they play really fast hockey. They’re a good team and I really would like to be a good player as a part of that organization and team.”
On getting a fresh start: “This is going to be good for me and I’m going to work really, really hard to do everything right and be the best player I can be and help the team. Hopefully everything goes well and I will enjoy every day.”
On the type of player he is: “I think my strengths is my skating and I can really, really forecheck. I think those are going to be good on that team.”
On talking with Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour about his role: “He called me and just said that he was happy I come there and gonna work hard and let’s see where that goes. But he said if I be myself, everything is going to be good. I’m really excited to come there and show my skills.”
Puljujarvi said that he isn’t sure when he’ll join the team because he needs a visa to play for Carolina.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.

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