Agreed. I also think JP could PK if needed. I'm pretty sure I heard, around his draft year, that he was good defensively as well
While he was struggling to get his offense going his defensive game was solid in the NHL and last year his defensive analytics were even among the best of the NHL. You're right, all the scouting reprts talked about his defensive game prior to the draft.
I checked one out of curiosity and the Pulju we are seeing now is finally getting close to what the reports said. They stated a lot of strengths (including the defensive side) and said physicality and shot accuracy were where he could do better. Just as they were. Here's a few quotes in case someone is interested (thehockeywriters.com, written just before the draft):
- It’s not often that players of this caliber come along, let alone three players in one draft.
- A closer look shows that Puljujarvi can make a case for the first overall pick.
- His awareness and hockey IQ really stand out as major strengths.
- He uses his skating to create gaps and uses his élite passing to set up open teammates.
- Puljujarvi is a generational talent that will eventually dominate at the NHL level. When you are talked about along the same lines as Teemu Selanne, then you see why he is one of the big three.
- We view him as an elite power forward with star potential, and quite possibly the best Finnish prospect in almost 30 years. (Steve Kournianos)
- His smarts and skills are undoubtedly already world class, but he needs to learn to use his size more as an advantage. Puljujärvi is a very complete player with a great understanding of the defensive side of the game too. (Hockey prospectus)
- Puljujärvi is a big winger who combines size, skating and skill. A strong skater who can blast past the opposition in full speed. Able to use his size, reach and stickhandling skills to retain the puck in speed. A smart player at both ends of the ice, both on and off the puck. Great work ethic and positive attitude. (Elite Prospects)
- Puljujarvi projects as a top-line winger who can eventually dominate games. He does so many things well on both ends of the ice. Even if he has an off night on offense, he can make up for that was with defensive play. He’s one of the most intriguing prospects of the last 10 years. It’s just a matter of time before he makes a major impact on the NHL.
https://thehockeywriters.com/jesse-puljujarvi-the-next-ones-2016-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/