The NHL trade deadline is approaching, marking the end of the season for many players as they face potential waiver placements. The Pittsburgh Penguins have opted not to make any waiver claims, but did place several players on waivers, including Matt Nieto, who is now with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Former Penguins player Jesse Puljujarvi has found a new home with the Florida Panthers after being placed on waivers earlier. He recently signed a two-way deal and is currently on loan to the Charlotte Checkers, where he has tallied three assists in seven games. Additionally, Ryan Reaves of the Toronto Maple Leafs is now available after being placed on waivers, having contributed two assists and 35 penalty minutes this season.

The injury crisis deepens for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they place star center Evgeni Malkin on injured reserve following a lower-body injury sustained during a 4-1 defeat against the Seattle Kraken. The 38-year-old, who has a season total of nine goals and 34 points in 47 games, has been inconsistent lately, managing only two goals in his last ten outings. His absence is a massive blow for the Penguins, who are already struggling to stay in playoff contention. To fill the roster gap, the team has recalled Jesse Puljujarvi from the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Puljujarvi, who had previously been waived by the Penguins, has recorded three goals and nine points in 25 NHL games this season.

The Edmonton Oilers are eyeing a potential comeback story with the recent news of Jesse Puljujarvi being placed on waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Puljujarvi, a former Oilers forward, has struggled to find his footing in the NHL after being signed to a two-year contract by the Penguins last season following a tryout. Despite showing promise in the AHL, his performance at the NHL level has been disappointing, leading to limited ice time and multiple healthy scratches.

With Puljujarvi's team-friendly contract and history of effective play, particularly when paired with star player Connor McDavid, the Oilers are seen as a prime candidate to reclaim him. His return could provide a significant boost to the team's lineup, allowing for strategic adjustments among their forwards, including potentially strengthening their second line.

Overall, the Oilers are in a position to take a calculated risk on Puljujarvi, who has the potential to reinvigorate his career and contribute positively to the team's performance. The situation poses minimal risk for the Oilers, as the worst-case scenario involves placing him back on waivers if things do not pan out.

On December 30, 2024, the Pittsburgh Penguins made the decision to place Jesse Puljujarvi on waivers, as reported by Elliotte Friedman of HNIC. Puljujarvi, who was previously a first-round pick by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2016 NHL Draft, has had a tumultuous career marked by injuries and inconsistent performance.

After spending six seasons with the Oilers, Puljujarvi was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2022-23 season. He underwent bilateral hip surgery in the offseason, which impacted his play. The Penguins signed him to a professional tryout (PTO) during the 2023-24 season, and he eventually secured a two-year contract worth $1.6 million. However, his performance was underwhelming, scoring just three goals and four points in 22 games during that season.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, Puljujarvi's training camp performance earned him a spot on the Penguins' roster. Despite this, he struggled to maintain a regular position in the lineup, appearing in only 21 of the team's 38 games and managing to net three goals and eight points. His last game was on December 7, 2024, and with the Penguins now having 22 active players, Puljujarvi's future with the team is uncertain as they await potential claims on him by other teams.

The NHL trade market is heating up as teams rush to finalize deals before the holiday roster freeze. Notable trades include the New York Rangers sending Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken and the Pittsburgh Penguins acquiring defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph from the St. Louis Blues.

The Penguins, currently on a roll with a 7-2-1 record in their last ten games, are looking to bolster their depth as they face injuries on defense. Players like Drew O'Connor, Jesse Puljujarvi, and Matt Grzelcyk could be on the move as the Penguins explore trade options.