BLOG: Puljujarvi preparing for NHL return

EDMONTON, AB - Improved confidence, improved English, fresh start.
Jesse Puljujarvi says he's looking forward to a clean slate with the Oilers after signing a new two-year contract with the team on Wednesday.
The fourth-overall pick from the 2016 NHL Draft scored 53 points (24 goals, 29 assists) in 56 games with Karpat in Finland's Liiga last season and has one goal in two games so far in 2020-21.
"I feel like I'm stronger and faster than I was a couple years ago," Puljujarvi said on a video conference call with media. "I have more confidence and feel like I've grown up a lot as a player and a person."

Before deciding to return home to Finland for the 2019-20 season, Puljujarvi scored 37 points (17 goals, 20 assists) in 139 NHL games with Edmonton and 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) in 53 AHL games with Bakersfield.
Oilers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Ken Holland had multiple video conversations with Puljujarvi, his agent Markus Lehto and Edmonton Head Coach Dave Tippett over the past few months to discuss the winger's potential return to the team.
"On those calls that I had with Holland and Tippett, I feel like they really want me to be there and help the team," the 22-year-old said. "I feel like I can do that."
Puljujarvi, who will continue to play with Karpat on a loan until the Oilers open training camp for the 2020-21 season, said he's prepared to start in a bottom-six role with Edmonton and earn a spot on one of the top two lines. He also said he would like to audition for a penalty-killing role.