Player Discussion Jesse Puljujärvi 4th Overall 2016 Draft.

[Mr Positive]

I know alot of you want to see JP start in the AHL, but I would be really really surprised if that was the case.

Hes already a beast off a player.

We shouldn't be surprised at any outcome. He'll come to camp and anything could happen. He is physically ready for the NHL, but that was never in doubt. Just being physically ready isn't enough. Most people who want him starting in the AHL want it because that is a great developmental path for him, and we've seen for years that when you rush a prospect they will often be very inconsistent and will get confidence issues. Puljujarvi is coming off a knee injury and is used to the European game. As an 18 year old, it makes sense to start him in the AHL especially with Yakupov and Eberle still on the team.

 

[Kyyrii]

Holy ****, look at how long his arms are.

In great shape.

Kid is going to rip up the league.

Jesse looks fit as hell. I did know that, but still. (One shirtless picture wouldn't hurt anyone, would it?) Scary times are indeed ahead when he catches his peak weight. That speed, that size...

What comes to AHL vs NHL debate. Yes, Pulju may be an European player but his playing style fits very well in NA as Pulju has already showed in tournaments played in NA (2014-15 U20, 2016 U18). He did had minor knee injury, but he has already skated two weeks (for example Patrik Laine has said, that he will not skate before WC training camp...) and has been doing knee rehab since mid May. If he isn't abysmal in training camps I would think that he atleast gets his nine games and then re-evaluation if needed.

 

[FlameChampion]

Kid looks like a physical beast and hes only 18 ...

 

[GMofOilers]

We shouldn't be surprised at any outcome. He'll come to camp and anything could happen. He is physically ready for the NHL, but that was never in doubt. Just being physically ready isn't enough. Most people who want him starting in the AHL want it because that is a great developmental path for him, and we've seen for years that when you rush a prospect they will often be very inconsistent and will get confidence issues. Puljujarvi is coming off a knee injury and is used to the European game. As an 18 year old, it makes sense to start him in the AHL especially with Yakupov and Eberle still on the team.

Yes anything could happen. Like my post said, I would be very surprised if he started in the AHL. Hes 18 years old but has been playing against men for a couple years already. Hes dominated at the world jr's already. Hes ready for the NHL game. Is he going to dominate it? No, no 18 year olds do. To say the AHL is a great develpment path for him? Premature at this point.

 

[jukon]

Really?? Did you read the lines thread? Not many having him starting.

What they want and what they expect are different things

 

[Blitzago*]

The 2017 draft will be good enough to make it worthwhile not to make the play-offs. It's 2018 and forward before Edmonton is ready to establish a true dynasty. One way to go is let Pulju play at 1.5-2PPG in the AHL before giving a roster spot. It might take a while. He was close to PPG in FEL at the latter half, but hasn't really dominated any pro league in a way he did at the WJC.

hahaha, you can't really think we should wait until then, and let alone the chance of pulj doing that is almost 0%

 

[Bangers]

I think people here underestimate how difficult it is to work in a foreign country as an 18 year old without being able to speak the language (speaking from experience here). Take that difficulty and magnify it by 100 as a professional athlete, and you'll have what JP will experience next season; look at the troubles Yak has had, and he spent a few years in NA as a junior.

You have to factor in that he's going to need someone like Pak translate the coach's instructions while transitioning to a smaller ice surface and a new playing system on the ice. Not an easy task.

 

[Hagged]

hahaha, you can't really think we should wait until then, and let alone the chance of pulj doing that is almost 0%

Well looking at Rantanen/Nylander/Pulkkinen it isn't looking as impossible. Not likely next season though, and Pulkkinen was a lot older during that season.

 

[Joe MacMillan]

Well looking at Rantanen/Nylander/Pulkkinen it isn't looking as impossible. Not likely next season though, and Pulkkinen was a lot older during that season.

Rantanen, Nylander or Pulkkinen didn't get even close to that kind of production. 1.5-2 PPG equates to 114-152 points over a 76 game schedule. For reference the top scorer in the league scored 80 points this preceding season. Griffith scored 77 in 57 and had by far the highest PPG at 1.35.

Scoring at the rate you're suggesting at a sustainable pace is virtually impossible even in the AHL unless you're some exceptional offensive talent, in which case you shouldn't play in the minors to begin with.

 

[Vanqu1sh]

Doesn't make sense to me to say that Pulju should start in the AHL because it's best for his development. Sure, maybe it will be, but maybe the NHL will be, how is anyone to know until we get there?

Hall, RNH, Yak, all played and weren't useless (even Yak!), Mathews and Laine are being looked at as locks. I bet if he got picked at #3 he'd be a lock on the roster, like he was before being drafted by us. I'd say getting picked by the Oilers raises his chances of making it, and not just because we've done it countless times in the last few years.

The cap issue is a non-issue IMO. ELC's are beautiful bargain bin contracts. 925k, like 1.5 ish mil with sched A which is still really good and not bad for us in any way. If he hits the full 3.5mil he will basically already be an elite forward and we're likely to be dominating everyone if that's the case, so who really cares. Even Drai is unlikely to hit his B bonuses, Reinhart ya right, Nurse doesn't even have B bonuses. That whole issue seems way blown out of proportion to me with our current cap situation unless I'm not understanding something correctly.

Language, NA game, being an 18 yr old prospect, def important factors to consider, but I think it's well > 50% hes an Oiler to start. The kid has the skills, the smarts, the size, the skating, and the passion to do it. He's improving his skating with an Olympic speed skater FFS, personally I'm hella pumped.

 

[Kyyrii]

I think people here underestimate how difficult it is to work in a foreign country as an 18 year old without being able to speak the language (speaking from experience here). Take that difficulty and magnify it by 100 as a professional athlete, and you'll have what JP will experience next season; look at the troubles Yak has had, and he spent a few years in NA as a junior.

You have to factor in that he's going to need someone like Pak translate the coach's instructions while transitioning to a smaller ice surface and a new playing system on the ice. Not an easy task.

Well, atleast he understands English. And when there isn't about hundreds of cameras around him he also can speak it, as noticed some of his interviews from rookie camp. Jesse has been training like professional athlete since he was 15 and Finnish culture is far different from Russian culture, so I doubt that Jesse incounters such hardships than Yak.

And oh, Jesse moved to foreing city, to live ALONE at age 13, leaving his parents and sister. Yes, he moves to entirely new continent with different language (but atleast weather is kinda similar to Finland) but he has experience this kind of things. If he can live with Paks family in his first year, I think he will be alright. If he can play hockey, train and hang with friends (hopefully he makes them in the team) I think that kid will be alright.

 

[LaGu]

I have heard about a couple of 'non-fitting in players' when it comes to living in NA and speaking a new language, but with the Finns on the team (and to a certain extent Swedes), and in general with lots of young players, I just don't see this as a problem. It would be a huge surprise if it happened imho. IIRC it normally happens to some Swede when sent to an AHL team in some small place 6 hours from anywhere and where there are no other Swedes playing.

I would also be a bit careful about the comparison to Yakupov and/or Russian players in general. To be quite honest I think that Swedes and Finns feel that they have more in common with NA players than they do with Russian players. It is a very different place and a very different culture.

 

[nabob]

I think people here underestimate how difficult it is to work in a foreign country as an 18 year old without being able to speak the language (speaking from experience here). Take that difficulty and magnify it by 100 as a professional athlete, and you'll have what JP will experience next season; look at the troubles Yak has had, and he spent a few years in NA as a junior.

You have to factor in that he's going to need someone like Pak translate the coach's instructions while transitioning to a smaller ice surface and a new playing system on the ice. Not an easy task.

I disagree, it is not like he is working with the public in customer service. He understands the language, and will have players that speak his language in Camp to help him out. It is a barrier that any hockey player coming from Europe in the last number of decades has had to overcome, and would probably be easier to do in the NHL where there are far more resources available to him, the comfort level is much higher. You act as if he is the first player to ever have to do this, when in fact there have been hundreds if not thousands of players who have done it quite easily.

 

[Bangers]

I disagree, it is not like he is working with the public in customer service. He understands the language, and will have players that speak his language in Camp to help him out. It is a barrier that any hockey player coming from Europe in the last number of decades has had to overcome, and would probably be easier to do in the NHL where there are far more resources available to him, the comfort level is much higher. You act as if he is the first player to ever have to do this, when in fact there have been hundreds if not thousands of players who have done it quite easily.[/QUOTE

Few of those players are 18 year olds with minimal English ability (at the NHL level, I mean).

 

[BB88]

I disagree, it is not like he is working with the public in customer service. He understands the language, and will have players that speak his language in Camp to help him out. It is a barrier that any hockey player coming from Europe in the last number of decades has had to overcome, and would probably be easier to do in the NHL where there are far more resources available to him, the comfort level is much higher. You act as if he is the first player to ever have to do this, when in fact there have been hundreds if not thousands of players who have done it quite easily.

I've been trying to listen to his interviews and that behind the scenes video from the draft and he seems to understand the language, but isn't that confident in his skill to speak in English.




Also bit off board but Finland beat Cze u20 team 4-2 on wednesday and Rasanen scored a goal.
For next years draft Tolvanen got 2+2 on 2 games against Cze, Pulju was not invited.

 

[nabob]

I disagree, it is not like he is working with the public in customer service. He understands the language, and will have players that speak his language in Camp to help him out. It is a barrier that any hockey player coming from Europe in the last number of decades has had to overcome, and would probably be easier to do in the NHL where there are far more resources available to him, the comfort level is much higher. You act as if he is the first player to ever have to do this, when in fact there have been hundreds if not thousands of players who have done it quite easily.[/QUOTE

Few of those players are 18 year olds with minimal English ability (at the NHL level, I mean).

I don't see what age has to do with it. Most of the the players are 18-21.

I don't know what "English ability (at the NHL level)" means??

English is only half the language spoken on the ice. The other half is hockey.

 

[snipes]

Well, atleast he understands English. And when there isn't about hundreds of cameras around him he also can speak it, as noticed some of his interviews from rookie camp. Jesse has been training like professional athlete since he was 15 and Finnish culture is far different from Russian culture, so I doubt that Jesse incounters such hardships than Yak.

And oh, Jesse moved to foreing city, to live ALONE at age 13, leaving his parents and sister. Yes, he moves to entirely new continent with different language (but atleast weather is kinda similar to Finland) but he has experience this kind of things. If he can live with Paks family in his first year, I think he will be alright. If he can play hockey, train and hang with friends (hopefully he makes them in the team) I think that kid will be alright.

Great post.

A couple other Finns mentioned that before about him leaving at 13 to follow his hockey career. He's been a prodigy most of his life, he's a special talent.

Pulju is coming to a great situation, yes the weather is similar or colder in northern Alberta than it is in Finland . He'll continue to learn and improve his English. He'll be surrounded by an up and coming team loaded with talent. His situation is different than the situation the other early picks came into, the team is better and deeper. As well, Pulju is not expected to be "the guy" early, he doesn't have the same type of pressure on him as past high picks have had in Edmonton. It's a different situation and new era.

I can see Pulju feeling right at home in Edmonton, I've heard he loves playing hockey on the outdoor rinks and being involved with the youth teams. He'll get plenty of opportunities to do that during the Edmonton winters. Being able to put on some skates during a cold winter night playing hockey outdoors should help Pulju feel welcomed and embraced.

Pulju will be a popular player here and I think he'll be very involved with the community. Happy to have him and our new Finnish fans joining the Oilers.

 

[Kyyrii]

I've been trying to listen to his interviews and that behind the scenes video from the draft and he seems to understand the language, but isn't that confident in his skill to speak in English.




Also bit off board but Finland beat Cze u20 team 4-2 on wednesday and Rasanen scored a goal.
For next years draft Tolvanen got 2+2 on 2 games against Cze, Pulju was not invited.

Yes, you can see from those interviews that Jesse would like to say more, but isn't sure how. When he starts to hang out with guys who speak only English, he will become more confident and soon speaks English much more fluently.

Tweets look promising. Right now it does look like they are going to give Jesse every opportunity to crack to the team they can. I read Cam Talbots interview from Sportsnet the other day and he said about Jesse "we expect him to step in". So it looks like team really will support Jesse.

And snipe, I really like you. I like to read your posts, they are so passionate, I can tell that you really love your hockey. And do understand Jesse and his needs quite nicely.

 

[Tarus]

I've been trying to listen to his interviews and that behind the scenes video from the draft and he seems to understand the language, but isn't that confident in his skill to speak in English.




Also bit off board but Finland beat Cze u20 team 4-2 on wednesday and Rasanen scored a goal.
For next years draft Tolvanen got 2+2 on 2 games against Cze, Pulju was not invited.

I like how the coaches always try to play coy, even when it's obvious the player is making the team, regardless if he's ready or not.

The team's right wing depth is effectively Eberle(Mcdavid's winger), Yakupov(Mclellan isn't going to play him in the top six unless he has to), and Kassian(3rd/4th liner). Much like in years past, the organization telegraphed their intentions by not even attempting to find a stop gap that would make their draft pick actually have to earn a spot.

 

[40oz]

Also bit off board but Finland beat Cze u20 team 4-2 on wednesday and Rasanen scored a goal.
For next years draft Tolvanen got 2+2 on 2 games against Cze, Pulju was not invited.

Thanks for sharing, looks like Markus Niemeläinen was there too.

 

[Bangers]

I don't see what age has to do with it. Most of the the players are 18-21.

I don't know what "English ability (at the NHL level)" means??

English is only half the language spoken on the ice. The other half is hockey.

I mean that very few Euros are able to successfully transition between Europe and the NHL as an 18 year old; even less (I actually can't think of 1 who has) are able to do so without speaking English. Most either:
- come over in junior and learn the language in a lower pressure environment
- get drafted and play overseas for a few years before making the transition
- play in the AHL

 

[BB88]

Thanks for sharing, looks like Markus Niemeläinen was there too.

Sadly that's pretty much all I've seen written from those games, not lot to go on.

I mean that very few Euros are able to successfully transition between Europe and the NHL as an 18 year old; even less (I actually can't think of 1 who has) are able to do so without speaking English. Most either:
- come over in junior and learn the language in a lower pressure environment
- get drafted and play overseas for a few years before making the transition
- play in the AHL

I'd say Barkov is one that could be looked at, weak english skills and made the team right away.
Strenghts Pulju has over Barkovs +1 year,
-skating, skating, skating, huge difference in their skating,
- Barkov missed the whole offseason due to injury,
-He was played with 4th liners who couldn't get new contracts,
-He missed the 2014 draft by just 2 weeks, so he was months younger than Pulju.

Pasta is someone who spend the 1st few months in the AHL and was Bostons best offensive forward on the 2nd half while being the youngest player in the league, who also had weakish English skills.
Strenghts Pulju has over Pasta,
-size, about 30lbs bigger than Pasta,
-skating,
-miles better prospect.

Rantanen could have spent the season in the NHL but where the team was at the time it was best for Rantanens development to have him in the AHL, mostly it was about saving a year on his ELC.

Looking at the latest Pulju picture you can see he is in top shape, can't really think of too many prospects who would have been in better shape than he is just after the draft.
He's also worked on his english since the WJC, and as a Finn I can say one can develop english skills a lot in short amount of time, if you just can/have to use it, few weeks can make a huge difference.

 

[oilinblood]

Kid looks like a physical beast and hes only 18 ...

beast is right...and just 18. still growing too. man have we ever been lucky with our top picks and lotto wins etc. jeeze.

 

[Joe MacMillan]

Pulju is built like an NBA player rather than NHLer with that tall frame and long arms. He seems to be extremely fit as well. The athleticism of the kid is through the roof I think.

 

[HockeyHistorian]

Well, it has been reported that his VO2 Max results are north of 70, so he really is a bit of a physical marvel (if those reports are true). Kärpät coach Marjamäki took advantage of Pulju's endurance against Tappara in the playoffs and played him a lot during the overtimes and boy did he look fresh and fast compared to the others. As a result he scored an OT GWG and gave a great assist to another OT GWG in the playoffs. To be fair, it looked like Marjamäki was actually playing him less if the game was tight during the third period, perhaps saving him for the poasible OT where he would have absolutely dominating shifts.