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After a tough start to the 2023-24 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have looked for some outside help to help push them back in the right direction.
The Penguins announced that Jesse Puljujarvi has joined the team on a free agent tryout basis, but he has a real chance at cracking the roster.
After undergoing a double hip surgery, Puljujarvi hit the free agent market this past summer, but no one took a flier on the 25-year-old former fourth overall pick.
The recovery process was expected to be long, likely giving teams across the league pause, but he was recently cleared for contact and the Penguins swooped right in.
Puljujarvi on his level of motivation after ups and downs in his career: "I think it’s really, really high right now. Coming back here, show everyone I’m a good player for this league, I’m looking forward to it." pic.twitter.com/utOClIc9pg
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 10, 2023
“It’s been tough,” Puljujarvi said on his surgery and working his way back. “I have to do treatments a lot and fight every day to get the best possible way to play.”
Despite a rocky road through the first six seasons of his NHL career, Puljujarvi is ready to find stability and prove he can still hit the potential he entered the league with in 2016.
“It’s really hard right now,” Puljujarvi said. “Coming back here to show everyone I’m a good player for this league.”
Puljujarvi has the potential to provide the Penguins with multiple skill sets, putting him in good position to earn a full deal with the team.
Head coach Mike Sullivan said as much, even without knowing a ton about the kind of game he plays.
“We’re going to do our best to help him get up to speed,” Sullivan said. “It’ll give us a chance to get familiar with his overall game. As I said to him this morning, there’s an opportunity for him to possible establish himself with a roster spot.”
The Penguins are a team dealing with numerous injuries, but even in a healthy lineup, the bottom six forward group has been a few steps behind everyone else.
This is the perfect spot for Puljujarvi to step in, especially if Bryan Rust is out long term; Rickard Rakell could return and take the first or second line, Valtteri Puustinen seems to be getting another look at the NHL, and Puljujarvi can fit right on the third line.
Puljujarvi stands tall at 6-foot-4 and loves using his body to create space and chances with 139 hits in 75 total games played last year.
Sullivan says it’s hard to pick up on certain things after just one practice, but he’s liked what he’s seen so far.
“I think he’s a rangy guy, he brings a lot of size and reach,” Sullivan said. “He has an offensive dimension to his game. We’ll see where it goes moving forward and potentially where he could fit into our roster.”
Coach Sullivan on bringing in Puljujarvi: "Jesse's a guy that has played in the league and had some success, and could potentially help us in some capacity." pic.twitter.com/mqtlnKAEG8
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 10, 2023
The Penguins need the help and Puljujarvi is deserving of another chance at the NHL; this could be a perfect situation for both sides and things seem likely for the sizable youngster.
Since it’s a free agent tryout, Puljujarvi can participate in all team activities, but cannot play in games.
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