{ "blocks": [ { "type": "video", "data": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/cS3XrQFY.mp4", "streached": true, "controls": true, "caption": "The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to bring back franchise icon Jaromir Jagr on a regular basis moving forward.", "image": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/cS3XrQFY-poster.jpg" }, "cdn": { "service": "jwplayer", "playlistUrl": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/cS3XrQFY.m3u8", "sources": [ { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/cS3XrQFY.m3u8", "type": "application/vnd.apple.mpegurl" }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/cS3XrQFY-PleLi0gz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 180, "width": 320, "label": "180p", "bitrate": 326601, "filesize": 3102718, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/cS3XrQFY-TPyFHjSz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 270, "width": 480, "label": "270p", "bitrate": 452806, "filesize": 4301661, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/cS3XrQFY-j3UGax3n.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 720, "width": 1280, "label": "720p", "bitrate": 1191123, "filesize": 11315677, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/cS3XrQFY-KwtrUhfG.m4a", "type": "audio/mp4", "label": "AAC Audio", "bitrate": 113740, "filesize": 1080534 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/cS3XrQFY-hoWDbBur.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 360, "width": 640, "label": "360p", "bitrate": 453368, "filesize": 4307002, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/cS3XrQFY-TcGp53GP.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 540, "width": 960, "label": "540p", "bitrate": 757828, "filesize": 7199368, "framerate": 30 } ] } } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "When the Pittsburgh Penguins signed forward Jesse Puljujarvi to a two-year contract in February, they were searching for answers in their bottom six. Puljujarvi provided that to some degree, playing in 22 games and giving the Penguins a much-needed size boost." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Now, the Penguins enter a pivotal offseason in search of more answers. General manager Kyle Dubas has stated his desire to get younger, referencing players like Ville Koivunen, Vasily Ponomarev, and Brayden Yager among those he expects to vie for an NHL roster spot this fall. Where does that leave Puljujarvi?" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The 26-year-old winger has one year remaining on his current contract worth $800k next season. While he didn't perform poorly in his first look with the Penguins, it's clear that he left something to be desired by the coaching staff." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Puljujarvi bounced around the Penguins lineup, even drawing a handful of healthy scratches down the stretch of last season. It's not unrealistic that he could move up in the lineup to play with one of Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby, but he would have to beat out two of Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Valtteri Puustinen to do so." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "That leaves either the third-line or fourth-line role on the right side. Those spots are expected to have heavy competition, with hopes that one of a handful of young forwards (Koivunen, Puustinen, or Yager) can break out and become a key contributor to their bottom six." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Puljujarvi has a size advantage on those three, not to mention a more defined skill set at the NHL level. The Penguins may view him as a reliable backup option if none of their young players are ready at the outset of the season. " } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "But if one or more of those young forwards breaks out early next season, Puljujarvi's role on the Penguins may not be one of much significance." } }, { "id": "o9vp0p6r-hkxyg9sh", "type": "embed", "data": { "service": "playlist.megaphone.fm", "source": "https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=STRAB2199351487", "embed": "https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=STRAB2199351487", "caption": "", "height": "200", "width": "100%" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCnjsUZZlsA[/embed]" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Likely To Avoid Buyouts" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Legend Responds to Retirement Rumors" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Must Prioritize Defense at Draft" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Former Penguins Coach Likely Returning to NHL" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Have Lengthy Offseason Checklist" } }, { "type": "list", "data": { "style": "unordered", "items": [ "Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins" ] } } ] }

What’s Next for Young Penguins Forward?