THN.com/podcast. From The Hockey News Podcast: Rating the O'Reilly Trade and More Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk2MjA1MTU0ODg0Nzg5NzY1/usatsi_19972576.jpg] The breakup everyone knew was coming has finally happened. After years of speculation, the Edmonton Oilers mercifully did what everyone expected them to on Tuesday afternoon, trading forward Jesse Puljujarvi to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for forward Patrik Puistola. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman [https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1630620632923750427?s=20], no money is being retained in the deal, meaning the Oilers will clear all of Puljujarvi's $3-million cap hit off their books ahead of the trade deadline. After the Oilers drafted Puljujarvi fourth overall pick in 2016, he will now get the fresh start he so desperately needs and will join a Hurricanes club that sits near the top of the NHL standings. It's no secret that it's been tough sledding for Puljujarvi lately. After finishing last season with a respectable 36 points in 65 games, the 24-year-old's production plummeted in 2022-23 to the tune of five goals and nine assists for 14 points in 58 games. Puljujarvi's ice time also dropped to an average of just over 12 minutes per game. While Puljujarvi's offensive potential has yet to be realized, his possession numbers have always been impressive year-to-year. His proficiency in his own zone made him leave Edmonton as arguably the Oilers' best defensive forward. Alas, it just never seemed to work out for Puljujarvi in blue and orange. After a prolonged contract dispute that saw him spend a year back home in Finland, followed by a few healthy scratches this season, Puljujarvi and the Oilers were destined to part ways for quite some time. Now, they finally have, allowing both sides to chart their new paths. Heading back Edmonton's way is Puistola, a third-round pick of Carolina's from the 2019 draft. The 22-year-old currently has 15 goals and 23 assists for 38 points in 56 games for Jukurut of the Liiga. Stay tuned. The trade deadline is still just days away.
