Sabre Noise
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3 reasons the Buffalo Sabres should trade for Jesse Puljujarvi

By Sion Fawkes

May 26, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right wing Jesse Puljujarvi (13) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Calgary Flames during the second period in game five of the second round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right wing Jesse Puljujarvi (13) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Calgary Flames during the second period in game five of the second round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Sabres
Apr 3, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing Jesse Puljujarvi (13) and left wing Evander Kane (91) celebrate after a goal is scored by defenseman Tyson Barrie (22) past Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (36) in the first period of the game at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Expiring contracts

In this case, the Buffalo Sabres could be granted permission from the Edmonton Oilers to negotiate a long-term deal with Puljujarvi. For this to happen, the winger would need to state his interest in coming to Buffalo before the Oilers give the Sabres permission to begin talks. You would see a trade in this scenario, with Puljujarvi signing a long-term deal with the Sabres.

This would solve one of a few issues regarding expiring contracts at the end of the 2022-23 season. Kyle Okposo, Zemgus Girgensons, and Rasmus Asplund are three of a few players who will see their contracts expire. Okposo is a fan favorite, but would the Sabres be willing to bring him back? Keep in mind that he will be 35 when the regular season ends.

Unless he has a career season, Girgensons isn’t coming back in 2023-24. He isn’t much more than the type of player who will give you between 10 and 15 minutes per game given the youth and talent on the Sabres roster. And since Puljujarvi’s traits mirror both those of Girgensons and Asplund, bringing him in via trade would be a logical move.

He is a young and productive player. And while his stats won’t wow you, he has developed into a solid defensive forward who may be a solid upgrade over Asplund and he is a definite upgrade over Girgensons.

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