As you’ve probably heard by now, Jesse Puljujarvi has requested a trade from the Edmonton Oilers. The reported cost is as low as a 3rd liner, which doesn’t make much sense until you realize how poorly he has done in Edmonton.
But Puljujarvi still has the potential that made him the 4th overall pick in 2016, and every NHL teams — including the Dallas Stars — should heavily consider trading for the young winger:
If you think Puljujarvi is a salvageable player at 21 and the cost isn’t prohibitive, then it makes sense for any team believing those two conditions are true to pursue a trade… Puljujarvi at that price is the exactly type of move a Stars team looking into infuse young offensive talent into the lineup should pursue.
Of course, teams can’t fool themselves they’re getting a superstar in Puljujarvi. But it’s also worth keeping in mind that he did play in Edmonton, plus he’s still fairly young
He actually profiles similarly with Nichushkin here, but with significantly more offensive ability. The key take away is that, yes, his 2019 season was terrible. He’s also barely 20 years old [sic], has dealt with a ton of adversity for three years, was hurt, and had to find his way under Hitchcock. I’d be willing to write that season off to give him a chance with all of those hindrances.
You can read more from Josh Lile here.
Stars Stories
Sean Shapiro peeks into the future at the 2021 Expansion Draft-related questions in his latest mailbag:
Stars Mailbag, Vol. 48: Thoughts on defensemen, expansion and Nichushkin https://t.co/9wQqTzfilp
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) June 20, 2019
Ben Bishop has a nice, short interview with Greg Wyshnyski here about the current NHL rulebook:
There was one moment when Barry Trotz knew the @StLouisBlues were destined to be Stanley Cup champions. That, plus how you can’t repeat their recipe, Ben Bishop on goalie rule changes, #NHLAwards and a ton more. https://t.co/aMmXYFvfTq
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) June 21, 2019
Relive the 2017 draft as Mike Heika keeps you updated on how those draft picks are panning out:
The 2017 #NHLDraft may be one of the best drafts the Stars have had in recent years. Miro Heiskanen is already making a huge impact, and the future looks bright for G Jake Oettinger and LW Jason Robertson as well. #GoStars https://t.co/31ZkG8IbGE
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) June 20, 2019
Speaking of Miro Heiskanen…
And here’s the list of everybody who left Miro Heiskanen off of their Calder Trophy ballots. pic.twitter.com/eBlZKM6rQl
— Graham Jenkins (@grahamsjenkins) June 20, 2019
[Ed. Note: Graham has informed us that he mistakenly listed “Jonathan Bernier” as writer number 2 on this list, which is incorrect. It should actually read “Jason Bell, Winnipeg Free Press.”]
Blows my mind that 38 writers didn’t think that Miro Heiskanen was one of the top 5 rookies in hockey this year. Six of them didn’t even have him in the top 2 rookie d-men despite:
1st in G
2nd in PTS
T-1st in ES PTS
T-1st in GWG
1st in shots
1st in TOI, ES TOI
2nd in SH TOI
etc— Daniel Tolensky (@dtolensky) June 20, 2019
Around the League
It’s draft day! DownGoesBrown’s spies give you a sneak peek at what teams are planning this weekend:
.@DownGoesBrown Grab Bag: Draft day strategy, a Gary Bettman proposal and Brian Burke tells a story about blackmail: https://t.co/JMfeDQHPJE
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) June 21, 2019
More replay review. Oh boy…
All the details about the NHL’s rule changes, including huge expansion of video review and the coach’s challenge. https://t.co/BNJnVmdc3e
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) June 21, 2019
The Carolina Hurricanes and goaltending troubles. Name a more iconic duo:
The Hurricanes have a few options if Mrazek and McElhinney walk, and they won’t have to look far to find one netminder who appears ready for the job, writes @THNJaredClintonhttps://t.co/0Vh28LqETz
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) June 21, 2019
Finally, rough news for Ryan Callahan and the Tampa Bay Lightning:
BREAKING NEWS: Julien BriseBois stated today that forward Ryan Callahan has been diagnosed with degenerative back disease and recommended that he no longer play professional hockey.
— Caley Chelios (@CaleyChelios) June 20, 2019