The Oilers Sign Jesse Puljujarvi to an Entry Level Contract

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, although already equipped with an accurate release. Doesn’t shy away from physical play, but could use his size more to his benefit.

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.

“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.”

“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.”