“Smoke” continues to build on rumored Andersson for Puljujarvi trade
On May 7th, I reported that the Rangers and Oilers could revisit a trade involving two disgruntled first round picks. This website broke the news that Lias Andersson of the Rangers and Oiler Jesse Puljujarvi were being discussed earlier this year but eventually Ken Holland’s demand of also a 1st round pick broke the deal.
As the NHL continues to discuss holding the NHL draft in late June before a conclusion to the season, there’s been talk about how to handle trades. Reports indicate that the league will allow the exchange of draft picks, prospects, including those in Europe. Renewed speculation also has the Oilers looking to move disgruntled Finnish forward Jesse Puljujarvi at the draft and the Rangers will be looking to move Lias Andersson in the right deal as well.
Revisiting Andersson for Puljujarvi
I broke the rumor way back in early November that the Rangers and Oilers were talking a trade for Jesse Puljujarvi. With Oilers GM Ken Holland also wanting a first round pick it killed the deal. Edmonton selected the big right winger with the fourth overall selection in the 2016 draft but the 22 year old had trouble getting the ice time he felt he needed to develop. The Rangers and Puljujarvi have mutual interest in each other too. Elliotte Friedman reported that he wanted to play in New York back in December. If Holland is looking for that 1st round pick, the Rangers have 2 and could work out a trade this time around.
Where there’s “Smoke”
Lias Andersson hurt his value when he bolted the Rangers AHL affiliate earlier this season. However, sources in Edmonton relay the Oilers liked what they saw from Andersson with HV71 in the SHL. Now, as noted in the Edmonton Journal, there is some more “smoke” there.
An old associate of mine in New York tells me that there is renewed “smoke” these days over the possibility of a trade between the Rangers and Oilers involving Jesse Puljujarvi. It goes something like this: Edmonton is not opposed to the idea of receiving Blueshirts prospect Lias Andersson. But word in New York is that Ken Holland would also demand a 1st Round pick from the Rangers (with another mid-level Oilers prospect included in a 2-for-2 deal). Any fire here? Unsure. I have not heard the same from anyone in Edmonton.
Edmonton Journal
This aligns with my article from May 7th where I wrote:
Could the Rangers trade the Oilers Lias Andersson and their second 1st round pick (23rd overall) for Jesse Puljujarvi and another mid level prospect? Or will NJ swoop in and give up one of their 3 first round picks (6, 10, and 17) for the big scoring winger? We could find out soon if the NHL does go forward with a June draft.
Another Edmonton Centric site LoweTide discussed the rumor as well, even naming a potential prospect Edmonton can send the other way.
Lots of Lias Andersson-Jesse Puljujarvi talk right now, I wrote about the idea just before Christmas. Apparently Ken Holland wanted a first-round pick added to Andersson, with a mid-level prospect coming back from Edmonton. There’s speculation that William Lagesson is the other piece in the puzzle but that’s not an actual factual trade proposal. We don’t know where the pick will land, but let’s say it’s No. 21. The Rangers could use an NHL-ready left side blue (their right side is golden) and I’m a Lagesson fan. I think Dmitri Samorukov would have more potential value long term but Lagesson is a plug and play.
LoweTide
So it appears this is gaining more traction and you can expect increased reporting on it soon. The “smoke” could very well be a five alarm fire whenever the NHL draft is conducted.
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