Sports
Pittsburgh Penguins Sign Jesse Puljujarvi to Two-Year Contract
The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a significant move in bolstering their forward lineup by signing Jesse Puljujarvi to a two-year contract. The deal, announced by President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas, will keep Puljujarvi with the Penguins until the end of the 2024-25 season. The contract carries an average annual value of $800,000.
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After joining the team on a professional tryout in December, Puljujarvi has impressed in his 13 games with the Penguins’ AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The 25-year-old Finnish forward has contributed four goals, five assists, and a plus-8 rating, showcasing his offensive prowess and ability to make an impact on the ice.
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Puljujarvi’s journey in the NHL has seen him make stops with the Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes. In his career spanning 334 games, he has accumulated 51 goals, 63 assists, and 114 points. He has also appeared in 27 NHL playoff games, tallying three goals, three assists, and playing a crucial role in postseason action.
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Before joining the NHL, Puljujarvi honed his skills in the Liiga, Finland’s top professional league, playing for Karpat. During his time there, he notched 48 goals, 56 assists, and 104 points in 143 games, securing a league championship in 2015. His success in the Liiga further demonstrated his talent and potential as a top-level player.
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On the international stage, Puljujarvi has represented Team Finland in various tournaments, including two World Under-18 Championships, two World Junior Championships, and one World Championship. His exceptional performance in the 2016 World Junior Championship, where he led the tournament in assists and points, earned him recognition as the Most Valuable Player.
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This signing proves to be a significant addition to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ roster, as they aim to strengthen their offensive capabilities. With Puljujarvi’s skill set and experience, he will undoubtedly contribute to the team’s quest for success.