Pittsburgh Penguins Buy Out Jesse Puljujarvi’s Contract
The Pittsburgh Penguins are parting ways with forward Jesse Puljujarvi. The team placed him on unconditional waivers to a mutual contract termination on Saturday. If Puljujarvi goes unclaimed by Sunday afternoon, he will become an unrestricted free agent.
In a statement, Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas expressed understanding and support for Puljujarvi’s decision. Dubas acknowledged the forward’s hard work after undergoing critically important hip surgeries and the team’s efforts to find him better opportunities.
“We have worked with Jesse and his representative Markus Lehto to try and ensure that his hard work returning from serious injury was not lost and to try and find him greater opportunity,” stated Dubas. “Over the last week those discussions have led to us granting Jesse his request for contract termination so he may explore opportunities with other organizations around the world. we felt that was the fair thing to do given the work Jesse has put in to getting himself back to this level.”
The 26-year-old Puljujarvi was in the final year of a two-year contract with a $800,000 cap hit. He has been playing for the Penguins’ AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Puljujarvi’s time with the Penguins has been a turbulent one.After recovering from hip surgeries, he signed a professional tryout contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and eventually earned a spot on the penguins’ roster. While he helped lead the team in scoring during preseason, he struggled to translate that success into the regular season, recording nine points in 26 games.
The former fourth-overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft by the Edmonton Oilers is now seeking a fresh start elsewhere.
How did Jesse Puljujarvi’s performance with the Penguins compare to his preseason success?
Pittsburgh Penguins Buy Out Jesse Puljujarvi’s Contract
The Pittsburgh Penguins are parting ways with forward Jesse Puljujarvi. The team placed him on unconditional waivers to a mutual contract termination on Saturday. If Puljujarvi goes unclaimed by Sunday afternoon, he will become an unrestricted free agent.
In a statement, Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas expressed understanding and support for Puljujarvi’s decision. Dubas acknowledged the forward’s hard work after undergoing critically important hip surgeries and the team’s efforts to find him better opportunities.
“we have worked with Jesse and his representative Markus Lehto to try and ensure that his hard work returning from serious injury was not lost and to try and find him greater chance,” stated Dubas. “Over the last week those discussions have led to us granting jesse his request for contract termination so he may explore opportunities with other organizations around the world. we felt that was the fair thing to do given the work Jesse has put in to getting himself back to this level.”
The 26-year-old Puljujarvi was in the final year of a two-year contract with a $800,000 cap hit. He has been playing for the Penguins’ AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Puljujarvi’s time with the Penguins has been a turbulent one.After recovering from hip surgeries, he signed a professional tryout contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and eventually earned a spot on the penguins’ roster.While he helped lead the team in scoring during preseason,he struggled to translate that success into the regular season,recording nine points in 26 games.
The former fourth-overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft by the Edmonton Oilers is now seeking a fresh start elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Was Jesse Puljujarvi released by the Penguins?**
Yes, but it wasn’t a straight release. The Penguins placed Puljujarvi on unconditional waivers, which means if no other team claims him by Sunday afternoon, his contract will be terminated, making him an unrestricted free agent.
**Why is the Penguins doing this?**
According to Penguins president Kyle Dubas, the team is granting Puljujarvi’s request to terminate his contract. Dubas acknowledges Puljujarvi’s hard work after recovering from hip surgeries and the team’s efforts to find him better opportunities.
**What are Puljujarvi’s prospects now?**
As an unrestricted free agent, Puljujarvi can sign with any team in the NHL or pursue opportunities in other leagues around the world.
**How did Puljujarvi perform with the Penguins?**
While he shone during the preseason, his regular season performance was underwhelming. He managed nine points in 26 games.
The Penguins are hoping this move will allow puljujarvi to find a situation where he can thrive.
