Former 4th overall pick and Penguins forward Jesse Puljujarvi gets terminated

A year ago, the Penguins decided to give Puljujärvi another chance at making it in the NHL by signing him to a two-year, $800,000 AAV contract.

Unfortunately, he was never able to earn a full-time spot in the Penguins' lineup, and it appears his time in Pittsburgh has run out.

In breaking news, it was revealed that Puljujärvi was placed on waivers with the purpose of mutual contract termination.

Per Frank Seravalli:

The 26-year-old forward from Sweden was limited to 26 NHL games this season and four in the AHL, often being scratched and placed on waivers by the Penguins.

Since being drafted 4th overall in 2016, he has shown great promise everywhere he played but couldn't meet the high expectations placed on his shoulders.

The Edmonton Oilers gave up on him after seven years, and he later joined the Carolina Hurricanes before signing with the Penguins.

After 382 NHL games, the 6-foot-4 forward has recorded 127 points, including 57 goals.

With the 4 Nations Face-Off break and the trade deadline approaching, it'll be interesting to see if a team gives him another opportunity.

He could still provide depth to a playoff-aspiring team at a reasonable price.

However, if he's not interested in spending more time in the AHL, he could decide to go to Europe to continue his hockey career.

As for the Penguins, Kyle Dubas' plans to keep making changes to his team continue. It'll be interesting to see what he does with the extra contract spot.

Meanwhile, the Pens will be on the ice tonight against John Tortorella, Matvei Michkov, and the Philadelphia Flyers in a crucial game for the Eastern Conference wild-card race.