Free agent forward Jesse Puljujarvi has officially committed to the Pittsburgh Penguins, signing a two-year contract that extends through the 2024-25 NHL season. The team announced the deal, revealing an average annual value of $800,000.
Puljujarvi’s journey with the Penguins began when he inked a professional tryout on December 10. This move came after the 25-year-old underwent double hip surgery during the 2023 offseason. Since joining the Penguins’ AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, on the professional tryout, Puljujarvi has showcased his skills, amassing nine points with four goals and five assists in 13 games.
The Finnish forward was originally chosen as the No. 4 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. After spending six seasons with the Oilers, Puljujarvi was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in February 2023, just before the trade deadline. Throughout his career, he has accumulated 114 points, comprising 51 goals and 63 assists, in 334 games with both the Oilers and Hurricanes.
Upon joining the Penguins, Puljujarvi is expected to contribute on either the third or fourth line. The Penguins currently hold a 22-17-7 record with 51 points, placing them seven points away from a playoff spot as the league resumes action following the All-Star break.
