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Ex-Oilers Forward Jesse Puljujarvi is ready for NHL comeback
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- Ex-Oilers Forward Jesse Puljujarvi is ready for NHL comeback
Jesse Puljujarvi could be set for another NHL opportunity after rebuilding his value overseas. The former Edmonton Oilers forward is drawing interest ahead of free agency following a productive season in Switzerland.
NHL analyst David Pagnotta reported the growing interest in the forward.
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"We're a week away from the free agent doors swinging open. One player to look out for: Jesse Puljujarvi," Pagnotta wrote on X. "He had a monster season in the Swiss League. His hip issues are a thing of the past, I'm told, and there's already lots interest from several teams eyeing a mid-six upgrade."
That report comes after a strong 2025-26 campaign with Genève-Servette HC, where Puljujarvi recorded 52 points (19 goals, 33 assists) in 52 games. The 28-year-old also impressed internationally, helping drive Finland's offense at the 2026 IIHF World Championship.
Prospect analyst Steven Ellis highlighted that success, writing , "He was excellent at the World Championship, too."
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Puljujarvi finished with four goals and nine points in 10 tournament games while skating alongside Finland captain Aleksander Barkov .
Oilers' 4th overall pick is a different player than the one who left
Former Edmonton Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi (13) celebrates with forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) at United Center
Former Edmonton Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi (13) celebrates with forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
The biggest factor in Puljujarvi's resurgence is health.
For years, chronic hip issues limited his skating and consistency. Those problems followed him through stops with Edmonton, Carolina, Pittsburgh , and Florida . His major double hip resurfacing surgery in 2023 became a turning point.
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Now, league interest appears tied to the belief that those physical limitations are finally behind him.
Puljujarvi entered the NHL with enormous expectations after being selected fourth overall by Edmonton in 2016. He was viewed as a potential franchise winger after a dominant World Junior Championship performance.
His NHL career never fully matched that projection. Still, he produced 58 goals and 128 points across 387 games and showed flashes of top-six ability, especially during his productive stretch alongside Connor McDavid in Edmonton.
Teams should view Puljujarvi as a value acquisition rather than a reclamation project. His size, forechecking ability, defensive awareness, and improved confidence fit modern middle-six roles.
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The key question is whether his offensive production in Switzerland can translate back to North America.
Even if he settles into a complementary role, Puljujarvi offers low-risk upside. For teams seeking affordable depth and secondary scoring, he may be one of free agency's most overlooked options. After years of injuries and uncertainty, the former Oilers forward appears positioned for another NHL opportunity.
