Oilers assign Puljujarvi, waive Gustavsson

Following last night’s loss to the Ottawa Senators, the Oilers have made some moves.

The news surprises few. Jesse Puljujarvi has played in limited time this season, playing in only 28 games averaging at 11 minutes per game. Now, he will get the opportunity to shine in Bakersfield alongside a Condors team that is currently seventh in the AHL’s Pacific Division.

It was my belief all year that the Oilers wanted to ease Puljujarvi in slowly. Being an 18-year old moving across the world is tough enough, let alone having to adjust to the North American ice surface. 

Anton Slepyshev has been up and down all season but will get another shot at showing his NHL worth. The young Russian has scored four points in 15 NHL games this season. 

Jonas Gustavsson was signed to be the Oilers backup this season but has had some mighty struggles. He has played in seven games this season and has posted one win alongside a 3.10 GAA and a .878 sv%. Gustavsson was pulled in three of the games he played in.

This could be an option moving forward.