'He's doing lots of good stuff': Woodcroft supporting Puljujarvi through 15-game scoring slump
It's been more than a month since Jesse Puljujarvi has scored for the Edmonton Oilers.
The 24-year-old, 2016 fourth-overall draft pick, has gone 15 games since finding the back of the net Oct. 26 against the St. Louis Blues.
Still, his head coach defended the big Finnish winger Tuesday when he was asked by a reporter about how Puljujarvi "can't score a goal."
"You don't just measure yourself in terms of what your offensive output is," Jay Woodcroft said.
"We have confidence in him, we have confidence to play him with good players. He was on the ice in the last minute of play yesterday. He went hard to the net, it lead to a scoring chance for Hyman. I think he's doing lots of good stuff."
Puljujarvi has recorded four assists in those 15 games. But after scoring 14 last year and 15 the year before, he is on pace for just four goals this year.
"Well, I think you worry when you don't find yourself in scoring chances. I think you earn the right to feel confident by rehearsing different moments that you find yourself in on the ice, you do that in practice," Woodcroft said.
The Oilers could use some goals from any forward not named Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. On Wednesday night in Chicago, every other forward Edmonton is expected to dress has scored two or less this season.
The need for Puljujarvi goals has become even more dire with injuries to Evander Kane and fellow depth scorers Kailer Yamamoto, Warren Foegele and Ryan McLeod.
Puljujarvi said last week that he was feeling good on a third line with McLeod and Klim Kostin.
"I think we have a good line there and try to be hard to play against and, of course, try to make some plays and maybe score too," he said.
Puljujarvi was expected to play Wednesday with Nugent-Hopkins and Mattias Janmark on a second line.
He's also played some with McDavid and Draisaitl this season but has struggled to break through offensively, even when paired with two of the top scorers in the league.
"Puljujarvi is a streaky scorer, so chances are if he scores one, he'll score four…He's a complementary scorer right now who is not scoring enough," said Allan Mitchell, AKA Lowetide, from TSN 1260 and The Athletic.
Mitchell acknowledged that Puljujarvi hasn't met the scoring expectations of some after he was a high draft pick. The radio host sees him as a 12-15-goal-a-season player who is good defensively.
He also pointed out that Puljujarvi often ranks high in advanced stats. Still, he doesn't see the winger staying with the Oilers longterm.
"At the end of this year, he's making $3 million on this contract. I'm sure the expectation is that it'll be $4 or $4.5 million, and I just don't think the Oilers will go there. I think they'll trade him and people will be disappointed with the return, is my guess."
Edmonton local Tyler Benson is expected to play his first game of the year against the Blackhawks. Bantam teammates James Hamblin and Stuart Skinner were also in the lineup for the morning skate.
The Oilers (12-10) play in Chicago (6-11-4) Wednesday and the puck drops shortly after 7:30 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.