3 reasons the Buffalo Sabres should trade for Jesse Puljujarvi
By Sion Fawkes
If there is one player the Buffalo Sabres would do well to trade for before the offseason ends, it would be Jesse Puljujarvi.
While I am no fan of trades or even trading away a skater for another, Jesse Puljujarvi is one exception in 2022. And the Buffalo Sabres would do well to at least make an offer for the physical winger who could provide an immediate upgrade on the third line.
So what is it that makes me embrace the idea of a Puljujarvi trade much more than one for the likes of Patrick Kane or Matthew Tkachuk when the latter was available? There are three major factors in play here, which I will outline below.
But first, let’s explain the scenario. Per Copper N Blue, Puljujarvi’s arbitration hearing will take place on July 29th, and it’s highly likely the Oilers could end up trading him before the hearing if they get the right offer. They could also trade him after the award, which Copper N Blue projects to be in the range of $3.25 to $3.5 million.
This number is most definitely in the Sabres range. And since Puljujarvi is a proven player, he is worth the pay. Now, why Puljujarvi? Why him, and not a big name like Patrick Kane? Keep reading for more.
Three reasons it would make sense for the Buffalo Sabres to trade for Jesse Puljujarvi: Reason #1 – Physicality
What’s interesting about Puljujarvi is that he’s not a completely physical specimen on the ice. But despite this, his 182 hits over the past two seasons (120 games) shows us that the 6’4 forward does display physicality to his game.
But it goes beyond his willingness to hit. Puljujarvi, who finished 27th in voting for the Selke Trophy in 2021-22 is one of the best in the NHL at winning battles for the puck, recovering them while in the offensive zone, and he was 24th last season in rebounds. The latter of which could easily explain his career high in assists (22) last season. He is also good on the forecheck.
Overall, you won’t see Puljujarvi bully opponents with his size. But he will use it to his advantage when battling for the puck. I see him as a bigger, stronger version of Rasmus Asplund. One that is also more effective in the scoring department.
All of the above still doesn’t fully explain why the Buffalo Sabres should try for Puljujarvi because why not just use Asplund? Or what about an up-and-comer like J.J. Peterka? The next section sheds light on this.