Carolina GM Don Waddell believes that there is a place for Jesse Puljujärvi in Carolina.
Traded from Edmonton to Carolina in February Jesse Puljujärvi the future is open.
The 24-year-old Finnish forward has played 11 games in Carolina. In the previous game, Puljujärvi finally opened his score account in the Hurricanes shirt, when he started Jesperi Kotkaniemi goal.
Carolina, one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, is aiming for its first Stanley Cup in 17 years in the playoffs that will start in a few weeks.
Puljujärvi signed a one-year, three million contract with Edmonton last summer, which ends this season.
Carolina Hurricanes GM Don Waddell considers it possible that the club will sign an extension contract with Puljujärvi. He has negotiated with Puljujärvi’s agent Markus Lehdon with.
– We had a quick conversation when we traded him. He was excited to come here, Waddell refers to Puljujärvi’s interest in the organization.
Waddell says he doesn’t like signing contracts in the middle of the season. He thinks it can be a distraction.
– When the time is right, we approach Markus and try to get something done.
Waddell believes that there will be a place for Puljujärvi in the team.
– We have seen enough to say that there is a place for him in this team. It depends on him whether he becomes a first court or a fourth court player. He has talent and skill.
– I really believe that there will be a place for him on this team, Waddell tells Urheilu in Raleigh.
If Carolina wants to keep Puljujärvi, the player must be offered an annual salary of at least three million, i.e. the same amount that the Finn earns now.
Puljujärvi has played a total of 69 matches this season, in which he has finished with only five goals and 15 points.
Carolina currently has a strong Finnish representation. In addition to Puljujärvi, the team’s Finnish players include Sebastian Aho, Teuvo Teräväinen, Antti Raanta and Kotkaniemi.