"Now the Real Stuff Begins", Puljujarvi Aims to Find His Game This Season

As training camp for the Pittsburgh Penguins kicked off this season, forward Jesse Puljujarvi donned one of their “green jerseys. For reference and familiarity’s sake – black and gold are their primary colors. Early on at training camp, assumed NHL players typically donned black jerseys while top prospects and “fringe” players were frequently outfitted in gold jerseys – similar to how Puljujarvi grouped himself among AHLers by wearing his green one. Guys like Corey Andonovski, Dan Renouf and Boko Imama were giving him practice reps alongside taking reps with them during practice sessions – although initial results weren’t stellar for him. Puljujarvi made waves early this season after recording a hat trick against Buffalo Sabres in the first pre-season game and becoming team’s leading pre-season scorer, quickly moving him up the depth chart into an NHL starting role for good. A former first round draft selection by Edmonton Oilers seven seasons prior, Puljujarvi looks poised for breakthrough at NHL level this year. “Now is the time for me to find my game,” Puljujarvi stated, adding, “My goal now is to build again at regular season level and not solely preseason level. His journey with the Penguins proved unusual at best with many obstacles standing in his path along his journey. Drafted fourth overall by the Oilers in 2016, he first showed signs of promise between 2020-22, notching 29 goals and 61 points across 120 games — but then injuries set in. Puljujarvi had undergone double hip replacement surgery shortly after joining Carolina Hurricanes at 2023 trade deadline, necessitating surgery once he joined. As Mike Sullivan has noted on multiple occasions, surgery is never easy to recover from. Once Puljujarvi had made significant strides toward fitness following recovery, more than six months post-surgery and upon signing his PTO with the Penguins on December 10, 2023 he received another PTO offer which he accepted upon signing it on that same date. After playing 13 games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL, Puljujarvi officially signed his two-year, $1.6 million deal with Pittsburgh on February 4, 2024. Yet even then it was evident that Puljujarvi wasn’t himself yet. Last season he appeared in 22 games for the Penguins and registered just three goals and four points while clearly struggling with skating and edgework. These past few weeks at training camp however have shown him to be far stronger, showing explosiveness that surprised everyone, as his shot went right past goaltenders! Puljujarvi appeared to score on half the shots he attempted during training camp and preseason play against Columbus; his skating and skill were on full display as he registered three points — including this stunning breakaway goal: Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan knows just how hard Puljujarvi worked during rehab process and camp, ultimately earning himself his roster spot. “He is an exciting player for our team because not many other players bring some of what he brings,” said Sullivan, adding, “and this year is no exception.” “He [Gurrielatos] really helps make us harder for opponents to play against and has shown the ability to finish, including his breakaway goal against Columbus on Friday which was truly outstanding and would rank among our high-end plays,” stated Head Coach Bruce Arena. If he can produce some offense for us, make us difficult to play against, participate on the forecheck and provide reliable defensive play, I think there will be tremendous opportunity ahead for him. “Thus far, Puljujarvi has taken full advantage of his opportunity, though more work remains for him to be completed in the days and months to come. Puljujarvi expressed pride for making the team and said he felt it deserved praise: “I must say, it has been an extremely trying year where it seemed as though I couldn’t play at times; so this feels like another chance; now is time to show that work,” adding: “Now the real stuff begins; so I will be ready. “Related: Here Is A Primer For Penguins’ Roster Situation