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A Returning Puljujarvi Unlikely to Get Top-Line Time For Oilers

If Jesse Puljujarvi returns to the NHL and the Edmonton Oilers, where should he play? One Oilers insider says not on the top line.

If the Edmonton Oilers can work out a deal with Jesse Puljujarvi to bring the disgruntled winger back to Edmonton, don’t expect the organization to reward him with top-line minutes. At least, not according to Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer who says the forward will have to work his way up the roster should he return.

Stauffer has an inside track on a lot of things Oilers related and typically, when he says something about the team making plans or looking at a player, he’s received that information from someone in the know. So, when he took to Twitter on Saturday afternoon and spoke of Puljujarvi’s potential status with the Oilers, people’s ears perked up.

Stauffer contended it was time the Oilers figured out a way to bring Puljuarvi back. He said, “He isn’t going to get better playing another full season in Finland. He needs to return to N.A. in 20-21 and be prepared to GRIND, and work his way up the line-up.”

It was the second-half of that statement that sparked debate. Comments on the “grind” part of the post led to comments that Puljujarvi needed the right opportunity. So, Stauffer explained his reasoning.

He added:

Apparently many of you think if Puljujarvi returns he should be “handed” top line minutes with 97 right from the get-go… FYI…He has 17G in 139 NHL GP. Successful players have relentless work ethic and grind. IMO…JP can start on 3rd line and hopefully work his way up!

Now, this could simply be the opinion of an analyst who covers the Oilers closely. Or, this could be coming from an announcer who works for the team and has insider knowledge that the Oilers aren’t planning to or haven’t offered Puljuarvi a chance to play with the team’s best players. The hint here is that if Puljujarvi leaves Finland for another shot in the NHL, they’ll be no handouts.

What Is Best For the Player and the Team?

Some will argue, if accurate, this is a bad move on the Oilers part. The argument would suggest that the team will only really know what they have in Puljujarvi if he’s given every opportunity to succeed with the team’s top players.

Putting Puljujarvi on the top line could produce early results. After all, the winger has shown at every level, except the NHL, what he can do production wise. He’s currently tearing it up in Finland and, it’s fair to say, he’s not gotten an extended look in a top-six role in the NHL yet.

Others will say “damn skippy” when it comes to Stauffer’s take. They’ll contend Puljujarvi should have to earn the opportunity to play with the game’s best.

What say you? If Puljujarvi returns, would you give him a look on the top line if you’re head coach Dave Tippett? Remember, Tippett has tried players like Josh Archibald, Tyler Ennis and Zack Kassian there. Or, would you force Puljujarvi to prove he’s worked his way up to one of the most coveted spots in all of the NHL?

Next: Three Possible, Likely Crazy Trade Targets For the Edmonton Oilers

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