Forward Jesse Puljujarvi must continue to prove his worth in the eyes of the Pittsburgh Penguins by signing a professional tryout contract in the American League.
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Thursday morning that the 25-year-old Finn was expected to report to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, and the news was confirmed by early afternoon. If he does well at the farm club, he could get a contract in the National Hockey League.
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Puljujarvi has been training with the major club since December 10th and took part in several team training sessions, but was not allowed to play in any games. The Penguins remain cautious with the former fourth overall pick in the 2016 draft.
The right winger has been disappointing since the beginning of his career in North America. After failing to secure a spot with the Edmonton Oilers at the end of the 2018-19 season, he went into exile in Finland before attempting a return to the Alberta team. They ended up trading him to the Carolina Hurricanes last February.
In the 2022-23 season, Puljujarvi has 16 points in 75 games. The Canes did not make him a qualifying offer in the offseason.