Oilers recall Puljujarvi, place Slepyshev on IR

Oilers fans rejoice.

Friday morning, the Edmonton Oilers announced via their twitter that the team has recalled Jesse Puljujarvi. They also announced that Anton Slepyshev has been placed on the injured reserve.

The 2016 fourth overall selection has played in 28 NHL games scoring one goal and seven assists in that time.

This year, Puljujarvi has played in 10 games with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors in which he has scored one goal and four assists.

Last season, he spent the majority of his time in the AHL where he scored 12 goals and 12 assists in 39 games.

Puljujarvi has a unique opportunity with the Oilers right now. With Slepyshev injured, it gives Puljujarvi a real shot on the Oilers right wing that has been lacking depth.

Like Puljujarvi, Leon Draisaitl had spent six games in the AHL. His stint came in 2015-2016 where he put up a pedestrian two points in six games.

Afterwards, he blew the NHL up scoring 51 points in 72 games. Needless to say, the Oilers have high hopes that Puljujarvi can replicate even a portion of that offence in his second tour of duty.

A really good spot for Puljujarvi would be on the Oilers second right wing alongside Milan Lucic and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, so it looks like he’s going to get a chance to play in an offensive role.

While unknown, it has bee speculated that Slepyshev re-injured his groin in last nights 3-2 win against the New Jersey Devils.  Following his second period goal, Slepyshev only took four shifts of 1:02, :21, :44 and :49, respectively.