In an interesting bit of organziational news, the Charlotte Checkers have signed forward Jesse Puljujarvi to a professional tryout contract.
Puljujarvi, 26, began the season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, posting three goals and nine points in 26 games for the NHL club and one goal and two assists in four AHL games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
He cleared unconditional waivers on Sunday, paving the way for the Penguins to terminate his contract.
The fourth overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Puljujarvi has produced 127 points (57G/70A) in 382 career NHL games for Pittsburgh, Carolina and Edmonton, as well as 20 goals and 49 points in 70 AHL games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Bakersfield. He also has 104 points in 143 games for Karpat of his native Finland’s Liiga.
With a good showing in Charlotte, could Puljujarvi earn another NHL shot with the Panthers as a depth player? Stay tuned…
Some Panther-related tidbits from the first practice sessions for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Matthew Tkachuk, who named the NHL’s Third Star of the Week, will skate on America’s first line with Jack Eichel and Kyle Connor. Sam Reinhart will be part of Canada’s top trio with Connor McDavid and Mitch Marner. Sam Bennett will shift to wing and skate with fellow Sunshine Staters Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli on Canada’s fourth line or it might be Travis Konency with Bennett being a healthy scratch. Gustav Forsling missed Sweden’s first practice due to illness. Injury-riddled Finland only had 11 skaters on the ice during their optional practice.