Jesse Puljujärvi has signed a try out contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. With that, Puljujärvi gets to participate in all other team activities except games.
Jesse Puljujärvi returns to NHL circles as he signed a try-out contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday. Puljujärvi was immediately recycled in training, also in the first chain, a superstar Sidney Crosby and by Drew O’Connor alongside.
– A big guy who knows how to skate. He is strong with the puck and in front of the goal. That’s how I remember him when I played against him. I saw the same thing now, club legend Crosby described Puljujärvi to the local media after training.
Also head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins Mike Sullivan also highlighted the size of Puljujärvi when he was fresh: 193 centimeters and 91 kilograms.
– His size and dimensions are things that stand out. He can affect matches with his size. It can be something that helps us, Sullivan described.
Puljujärvi had both hips operated on in the summer. Puljujärvi was left without an NHL contract. He was also left with a small responsibility in his previous NHL clubs in Edmonton and Carolina. The belt accumulated a total of 75 matches with 5+11 results.
– My motivation is really high now. I want to show everyone that I’m a good player in this league. I’m looking forward to this, Puljujärvi recently told the American media.
The Finn is not yet in full game condition.
– My condition is okay, but I still need to improve a little so that I am in 100 percent shape, Puljujärvi described.
In the try out contract, Puljujärvi has the opportunity to participate in all team activities, except for matches. Pittsburgh will pay all of Puljujärvi’s expenses for ten days.
– Jesse has played in this league and has been somewhat successful. Jesse could potentially be a player that could help us in some ways, coach Sullivan described.
– We are trying to get him to adapt to this environment. We’ll see where it goes.
The Penguins have currently only has $17,000 in salary cap room.
Lehkonen opens up the background of the Pittsburgh bosses’ thoughts
Sports expert Ismo Lehkonen welcomed Puljujärvi’s return to NHL circles with joy. In Lehkonen’s opinion, Puljujärvi would be in a good place in Pittsburgh.
– Pittsburgh has a very good leading department. Above all, in my eyes, the coaching is almost the highest quality that can be had in the NHL, Lehkonen describes.
Lehkonen hopes that Puljujärvi’s rehabilitation from hip surgery has gone well.
– I believe that Pittsburgh is now monitoring how the rehabilitation has progressed, how Puljujärvi is able to skate and move. Operating with the puck is definitely in his memory and he can do it right away. However, Pittsburgh is probably still monitoring the physical space, Lehkonen reflects.
The expert understands Crosby and Sullivan’s comments about the size of Puljujärvi, because Pittsburgh needs it right now. Pittsburgh is currently undergoing a final dance of sorts as seasoned stars Crosby, Yevgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson are looking for a crown for their career.
– Pittsburgh still needs that kind of effort and passion for this season. Individual good exchanges. If Puljujärvi is fine and understands it, Pittsburgh can be a good place for him, Lehkonen sees.
Pittsburgh’s start to the season has been difficult. Behind in the Metropolitan division is only the crisis club Columbus Blue Jackets.
Updated at 11:28 am. Added Lehkonen’s comments.