Just over 72 hours ahead of Friday's 3 p.m. ET NHL Trade Deadline, the team acquired forward Jesse Puljujarvi from the Edmonton Oilers
in exchange for prospect Patrik Puistola
.
"At first I was like, 'Really?' and after that, I was excited and happy," Puljujarvi shared as his initial reaction during an introductory meeting with the Raleigh media this afternoon. "I know the Canes] have a really good team, young guys, and they play really fast hockey."
Now joining Rod Brind'Amour's club after having four different head coaches in six seasons in Edmonton, the deal is viewed as one that's low-risk, high-reward for the Canes. Puljujarvi is a restricted free agent at season's end and he'll now have some time to showcase what he can offer to the current Metropolitan Division's leaders, in exchange for an unsigned draft pick.
"[Rod] called me and said he's happy that I'm coming," the now 24-year-old continued while on Zoom from his Alberta residence. "I'm going to work hard and we'll see where that goes, but he said that if I be myself, everything is going to be good. I'm really excited to come there and show my skills."
Drafted fourth overall in 2016, the now 24-year-old Puljujarvi was picked with the prospect of becoming a dynamic forward in the league. His high-ranking selection also came after a dominant performance at the 2016 World Junior Chamionship, where he and Sebastian Aho played on a line together and led their country of Finland to a gold medal.
"He was the best player in the tournament," Aho said of his new teammate in Carolina. "And there were guys like [Patrik] Laine, [Mikko] Rantanen, [Roope] Hintz. There are so many guys [from that tournament] that play big roles for their NHL teams now."
While the familiarity between the two, who connected briefly in the moments following the trade, is certainly a plus, the past is nothing more than the past and now the Canes will see if they are able to unlock the full game of the man known as "The Bison King" in Edmonton.
"This is going to be good for me and I'm going to work really, really hard to do everything right and be the best player I can be, and help the team," Puljujarvi continued. "Hopefully everything goes well and I will enjoy every day."
"He's very capable of playing good hockey. Everyone knows that he has that upside in him," Aho added. "Hopefully we can get him to his full potential here."
As far as what that potential entails, Puljujarvi describes himself as a good skater and strong on the forecheck.
While the start of his NHL career may not have been what he hoped for, he's now eager to see what a change in scenery can do for him and his next chapter.
"There were ups and downs [in Edmonton]. Some good times and a little bit of hard times. But everything that I had here, I have enjoyed. Everyone has a different kind of career," Puljujarvi said. "It's been a pleasure to be a part of it and be an NHL player. Now I'm getting a new opportunity and I'm excited about that."
Puljujarvi is currently working through visa issues but hopes to join his new club as soon as possible. The team is expected to announce a jersey number for him in the near future.
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