Jesse Puljujarvi creates plenty of debate among fans and media, and while at first glance his offens

[doniceage]

The locker room is empty, the exit interviews have been conducted, and Jay Woodcroft and Ken Holland have met with the media one last time.

For the Oilers, the process begins with retooling and trying to improve upon a season that saw them have their deepest playoff run since 2006. Progress, for sure, but just short of a goal they came so close to achieving.

One of the biggest focuses for the Oilers this summer? The future of Jesse Puljujarvi. He brings value, but is it enough to keep investing in him?

Everyone has a take on the 24-year-old Finnish forward. Some love his play and what he brings, while others feel he hasn't been producing enough, isn't a top-six forward, and should be traded this summer.

When you look at the advanced stats, there's incredible value in his game that you cannot ignore from this past season.\
https://thehockeynews.com/news/the-f...sse-puljujarvi

[30ranfordfan]

Jesse has never produced at the level everyone thought he would, but he's a good player. I know "advanced stats" aren't something that everyone believes in - but statistically, both McDavid & Draisaitl were better players last season 5-on-5, when they had Jesse on their respective wings.

I think the Oilers would be foolish to trade him, but I'm not in the room for contract negotiations.

I'd give him a raise, and the ultimate "show me" deal. Pay him 2.0 million a season (that's well above the 1.175 he made last year) and give him a two year contract. It's a good raise, it guarantees another 4 million in career earnings, and will bring him to UFA status.

If he explodes over the next two seasons, he'll be able to walk away and get big money elsewhere. If he doesn't? He does enough to earn 2.0 IMO.

If they gave him a 2 year / 5million (total) deal - I'd be happy. I want to see him brought back, but no way does he deserve Zach Kassian money.

I'll add this. I really want to see them bring back Evander Kane. If they can shuffle pieces around, and free up cap space to do it - I do think one of Pulljarvi or Yamamoto will have to be traded. Basically... of these three wingers.... they can only keep two. I'd keep Jesse over Kailer. Oilers should be able to get him to a cheaper deal, I think Yams will get them more in a trade, and I think Jesse's ceiling is higher.

[doniceage]

Jesse has never produced at the level everyone thought he would, but he's a good player. I know "advanced stats" aren't something that everyone believes in - but statistically, both McDavid & Draisaitl were better players last season 5-on-5, when they had Jesse on their respective wings.

I think the Oilers would be foolish to trade him, but I'm not in the room for contract negotiations.

I'd give him a raise, and the ultimate "show me" deal. Pay him 2.0 million a season (that's well above the 1.175 he made last year) and give him a two year contract. It's a good raise, it guarantees another 4 million in career earnings, and will bring him to UFA status.

If he explodes over the next two seasons, he'll be able to walk away and get big money elsewhere. If he doesn't? He does enough to earn 2.0 IMO.

If they gave him a 2 year / 5million (total) deal - I'd be happy. I want to see him brought back, but no way does he deserve Zach Kassian money.

I'll add this. I really want to see them bring back Evander Kane. If they can shuffle pieces around, and free up cap space to do it - I do think one of Pulljarvi or Yamamoto will have to be traded. Basically... of these three wingers.... they can only keep two. I'd keep Jesse over Kailer. Oilers should be able to get him to a cheaper deal, I think Yams will get them more in a trade, and I think Jesse's ceiling is higher.

Oh the nightmares of being a GM.

DON

[30ranfordfan]

Oh the nightmares of being a GM.

DON

It has to be a stressful job, lol.

[doniceage]

It has to be a stressful job, lol.

I can not even fathom the stress they go thru. I mean you have to take it serious but for each individual they handle it differently. I am sure some are cool to work with while others would be a pita to work with.

DON

[Devlin]

I'm glad that some of us rocking chair GM's recognize this.

the waiting line for their jobs is probably pretty long.

[30ranfordfan]

I'm glad that some of us rocking chair GM's recognize this.

the waiting line for their jobs is probably pretty long.

I would love to have a GM's job. I have no doubt I'd be bad at it..... but I would love to try!

[doniceage]

I would love to have a GM's job. I have no doubt I'd be bad at it..... but I would love to try!

I cannot imagine all the stress one would get from every entity out there. I am glad you would love it! Would like to see how long that love would last in which you go to work happy everyday.

DON

[30ranfordfan]

I cannot imagine all the stress one would get from every entity out there. I am glad you would love it! Would like to see how long that love would last in which you go to work happy everyday.

DON

I think it would be an amazing job. A fun job. Like you said though, a stressful one.

The fact that HOFers like Sakic and Yzerman are doing those jobs tells me that the upside to having one of those jobs, is much bigger than the downside. Those guys don't need to work another day in their lives if they don't want to. They've already earned enough money to set up generations of their families. They're doing it because they want to.

[pwskelly]

Can you imagine how hard it would be to buy a hockey team, then hire a GM to run it for you? It would be like buying a sports car and handing the keys over to a professional driver to drive it for you.

I'm amazed more owners don't try to run their own teams more directly. I know that it doesn't usually work out, and there are a number of reasons you hire "hockey" people to run your franchise but the urge must be palpable.