:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67274404/1127622521.jpg.0.jpg)
Morning, everyone!
First thing’s first:
It’s never done until the contract is signed, but the Oilers and Jesse Puljujarvi have been catching up.
— Mark Spector (@SportsnetSpec) August 20, 2020
I expect him at camp this fall, whenever that may be. https://t.co/V6yz8BBVT2
This is a large development, but not totally surprising — other than the obvious and unstoppable surprise that comes from the Oilers accomplishing something we actually wanted, of course — we expected Puljujarvi to return after learning his latest deal with Kärpät Oulu included an NHL out clause:
IDK about anyone else but that sneaky little out clause in Puljujarvi's new deal has me CONVINCED he's coming back.
— Copper & Blue (@CopperandBlue) August 5, 2020
I mean, how can Holland watch Kassian and not think he needs more skill on the right side?
Has to be. LFG
So, assuming that Puljujarvi returning does indeed come to pass, where should they put him?
Well, I have one really, really good idea: beside Connor McDavid.
McDavid with Puljujarvi
| Player 1 | Player 2 | TOI | CF% | FF% | SF% | GF% | xGF% | SCF% | HDCF% | HDGF% | PDO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player 1 | Player 2 | TOI | CF% | FF% | SF% | GF% | xGF% | SCF% | HDCF% | HDGF% | PDO |
| Jesse Puljujarvi | Connor McDavid | 407.75 | 55.06 | 55.5 | 53.09 | 61.54 | 57.53 | 57.5 | 57.51 | 58.62 | 1.028 |
I don’t know about you, but it’s pretty hard to argue with those numbers. Those are the numbers that power Galactus to eat entire universes. Before Thanos snapped his fingers, he had to ask those numbers for permission. Chuck Norris joke.
Further, if the Oilers still remain unconvinced long-term — or if perhaps Puljujarvi continues to have reservations about the organization — there is no better way to inflate a player’s value than popping him beside The Captain. Look at Zack Kassian, for example. McDavid did such a good job of inflating his numbers that the Oilers ultimately pump and dumped Kassian onto themselves. Like a calendar year after his contract (for roughly half what he’ll make next year) was the only thing that kept him in Edmonton after his camp got permission to seek a trade.
I took the afternoon off the socials yesterday — I highly recommend, btw — and missed the Calgary Flames Falmes pooping in their own pants on live TV en route to choking away their season. What I love about that, is absolutely everything. I hope nothing good ever happens to that team or city. Sorry if any of you live there.
Move.
Already this morning the refrain around those losers is that ‘big change will be coming’ and I, for one, cannot wait to see them deal Johnny Gaudreau for a satchel of vulcanized rubber, and elevate Milan Lucic into his spot on their ‘top’ line. I love it.
LFG.
Oilers Loan Philip Broberg to Skellefteå AIK (SHL) (Copper and Blue)
Hot Links: Thursday, August 20 (Copper and Blue)
Okay, The Coyotes Are Out Of The Playoffs. Time To Bring Taylor Hall Back To Edmonton (Copper and Blue)
The Lost Highway (Lowetide)
The Oilers Lend Joakim Nygard To Farjestad Of The Swedish Hockey League To Start The 2020-21 Season (Oilersnation)
Elliotte Friedman Predicts Big Changes For The Flames This Off-Season (Sportsnet)
Weekly Rumours – Goalie Talk Dominates The Day (Oilersnation)
Report: Jesse Puljujarvi Expected To Sign Contract With Edmonton Oilers (Oilersnation)
31 Thoughts Podcast: Dale Hawerchuk Through The Eyes Of His Sons (Sportsnet)
UFA Defenceman Options For The Oilers (Oilersnation)
Down Goes Brown: 6 memorable hockey moments that we may not remember quite right (Athletic)