Puljujarvi plans to spend entire season in Finnish league
Edmonton Oilers property Jesse Puljujarvi doesn't intend on making a return to the NHL this season.
"The 100% focus is on playing in Oulu until the end of the season and being able to play a great season there," Puljujarvi told Finnish news outlet Ilta-Sanomat, as translated by TSN's Frank Seravalli.
The former fourth overall pick signed a one-year contract with Karpat of Liiga in August. In order to make a return to the NHL for the 2019-20 campaign, he'd need to sign a deal by Dec. 1.
Puljujarvi's agent stated in June that his client would play in Europe if he's not traded from the Oilers. The Carolina Hurricanes reportedly showed interest in acquiring the 21-year-old winger, but nothing has come to fruition.
Puljujarvi is still a restricted free agent in the NHL. He's had a productive year overseas, tallying 11 goals and nine assists in 18 games so far. However, in part due to numerous injuries and demotions to the AHL, Puljujarvi collected just 37 points in 139 games with Edmonton.