Hi guys! First of all I apologize for my part in some heated discussions about Jesse Puljujarvi when he was in the Oilers! This goes also to the other participants. If he somehow ends up here again I will definitely stay out of them.
Like I said I really wanted Puljujarvi to succeed specifically in the Oilers, but it didn't work out. However, I wonder if there'd be a chance to give it one more go as he plays with minimum salary and looks much better after the double hip surgery.
He was one of the best Finns in the World Championships and while preseason doesn't mean much he was the best Penquin there. He has started the season quite strongly, having the 2nd best points/60 and being solid defensively. The Penguins fans have stated several times that Sullivan doesn't like European players and while I don't really like or maybe believe those nationality talks the fact is that after a strong start and good chemistry with Eller Puljujarvi has been first a healthy scratch and now played under 10 minutes in the 4th line. Fans are gobsmacked and so are many so called experts.
Especially during 1-1,5 seasons before his hip surgeries he didn't deserve more if even what he got, but now it's different. With his salary he should be a pretty safe choice and as Penguins fans seem to be willing to sell anything that can get them assets something like a 2nd might be enough to get Puljujarvi. Some may feel that is too much and I understand that, but I think it could make sense at the moment. A solid top-9 option, who could play higher and lower in the lineups according to needs and his level. In all the interviews he's said good things about his time in Edmonton so I think he'd be happy to come back. He also seems much more mature.
Then about Blomqvist, the "unknown" goalie some have mentioned here. Like Puljujarvi he also comes from the team Kärpät in Oulu. He was sensationally good in the men's league as a junior and for years I've believed he will become a very good NHL goalie. He's been the best Penguins goalie, but hasn't been played a lot. I have a feeling we'll see very good Oilers tonight and while he can be excellent the Penguins defense is leaking badly and I think the Oilers will utilize that nicely.