Penguins Forward Continues Recovery from Hip Surgery
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jesse Puljujarvi is still working to fully recover from bilateral hip surgery.
PITTSBURGH – When the Pittsburgh Penguins brought Jesse Puljujarvi aboard in December, they knew it would be a lengthy process. At the time, Puljujarvi was just a few months removed from bilateral hip surgery. He was still a few months from returning to NHL ice, but the Penguins knew he could help the team in the long run.
The Penguins eventually signed Puljujarvi to a two-year contract, but it seems he’s still working on returning to 100%.
According to Finnish outlet Ilta Sanomat, Puljujarvi is still working through a rehabilitation process. Puljujarvi has had to change how he works out and prepares for games.
“Nerve and strength will come here little by little,” Puljujarvi said. “I can't really wake up the nervous system like with strength training. If I don't do it, my legs won't work.”
Puljujarvi signed his contract in February and played 22 games with the Penguins but was often a healthy scratch. The Penguins noted that Puljujarvi had recovered from his offseason hip surgery, and the scratches weren’t due to his lengthy recovery process.
However, the Penguins likely planned to monitor Puljujarvi’s minutes during his first run with the team. He didn’t have a training camp or preseason and was thrust into a situation where the team was fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot.
To go from no game action straight to a playoff-like atmosphere is a huge jump. Heading into 2024-25, Puljujarvi should be ready for the tests and riggers of a full slate. From training camp to the preseason, then the full 82 games, he should be up to speed in no time.
After getting some extra action during the IIHF World Championship, Puljujarvi looks forward to a fresh start in hockey.
“The surgery was a wake-up call. I took it as a new beginning.”
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