'CANES PICK UP PULJUJARVI
The Carolina Hurricanes acquired winger Jesse Puljujarvi from the Edmonton Oilers for winger Patrik Puistola.
What does it give the Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes were in the market for a big scoring winger but came up short in their attempt to land Timo Meier from San Jose. Enter Puljujarvi, who is not nearly as physical or productive as the former Shark. What he is, however, is a lot cheaper to acquire. Furthermore, Puljujarvi still owns plenty of untapped upside. He is a decent gamble for Carolina, but are they now done dealing?
What does it give the Edmonton Oilers
For Edmonton, this trade is about creating some space on the salary cap. Puljujarvi underachieved in Edmonton and was never able to fulfill his potential as a scoring winger for either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl/Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Puistola has been a regular point producer in the Liiga for quite some time now; he is probably ready to take a shot at the NHL.
Fantasy impact
This trade could help both teams and both players in the long run. Puljujarvi is heading to a team with several fellow Finns. If he is ever going to bust out offensively, the time is now. Pick him up as a high-upside flier. Puistola could eventually replace Puljujarvi in Edmonton's lineup next season, so he should be picked up in many keeper formats.
