The rumors of center Lias Andersson possibly being traded to the Edmonton Oilers should cease now that Jesse Puljujarvi will remain in Finland.
The lack of playing time Lias Andersson has experienced with the New York Rangers this year has led to the speculation that the center might be traded.
The Edmonton Oilers have been a destination mentioned, as that club has a disgruntled restricted free agent who has requested a trade, while refusing to sign a new deal with them. Jesse Puljujarvi left the team and headed overseas to play with his hometown club, Oulun Karpat, in the Finnish Elite League.
On Monday, the situation took a turn for the worse for the Oilers as Puljujarvi announced via Ilta-Sanomat (@iltasanomat) that he will stay with his Finnish team for the remainder of the year.
Jesse Puljujärvi paljasti Ruotsi-ottelun jälkeen: ”Pelaan kauden loppuun asti Kärpissä” https://t.co/0k2daFQKd5
— Ilta-Sanomat (@iltasanomat) November 11, 2019
The tweet translated reads, “I will play in Kärp until the end of the season”
Puljujarvi was the Oiler’s first round, fourth overall draft pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. The 21 -year-old appeared in 139 games over three years for Edmonton. He recorded 17 goals with 37 points. Last season, he appeared in 46 games while scoring four goals with nine points.
Puljujarvi has played well for Oulun, scoring 11 goals and 20 points in 18 games.
Andersson has had his name mentioned in trade rumors throughout the season. His playing time has hovered around the 10-minute mark as the Swedish player has been unable to prove to the coaching staff that he is worthy of playing beyond the fourth line.
For the time being, Andersson will have to settle with the limited playing time until the coaching staff gains some faith in him or the organization feels a trade would benefit both the team and the young center.
