Florida Panthers Sign Former First Round Pick

Jesse Puljujarvi has had a very disappointing NHL career thus far, given the optimism surrounding him prior to being drafted. He’s seen action in 382 games and scored 57 goals and 127 points. So far this season, Puljujarvi has three goals and nine points in 26 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also established one goal and three points in four games for the Penguins AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barrie/Scranton Penguins. Puljujarvi and the Penguins mutually agreed to terminate his contract where he then signed a PTO with the Charlotte Checkers, the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers. He appeared in seven games for the club, accounting for three assists.

Puljujarvi was originally selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round, 4th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry draft.

Puljujarvi to Provide Insurance for the Panthers

After leaving the Penguins, Jesse Puljujarvi was quickly scooped up by the Panthers AHL affiliate. And why not? He’s still just 26 years old and despite the disappointing numbers thus far, he has still shown he can provide some offence. Puljujarvi’s best season came back in 2021-22 when he scored 14 goals and 36 points in 65 games for the Oilers. Not earth-shattering numbers by no means, but still respectable.

However, the Panthers don’t need him to be an offensive juggernaut. The defending Stanley Cup champs already have a high-powered offence, sitting at 6th in the league in goals for. With just over $5 million in cap space, they’re expected to take a run at another player before the trade deadline on Friday, March 7th. Puljujarvi does need to clear waivers in order to join the Panthers. If he does, he will provide the Panthers with some solid bottom-six depth.