On March 5, 2025, the Florida Panthers made a notable addition to their roster, signing forward Jesse Puljujärvi to a one-year, two-way contract. The 6-foot-4, 216-pound native of Alvkarleby, Sweden, brings a wealth of NHL experience with 382 career games under his belt. Puljujärvi, who has played for several teams in his career, will now have the opportunity to contribute to the Panthers’ offensive depth.
Puljujärvi’s signing marks an exciting new chapter for the forward, who has previously been known for his potential but has also faced challenges in finding consistent form at the NHL level.
His size and skill set make him an intriguing player for the Panthers, as his physicality could bolster their forward lines, particularly in areas of forechecking and puck retrieval. Despite his ups and downs in terms of scoring production, the Panthers are hopeful that Puljujärvi can find a new level of consistency with their team.
The 25-year-old forward was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers 4th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft, a position that indicated the high expectations placed on him. Over the years, Puljujärvi has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his ability to create offensive opportunities and his strong two-way game. However, he has often struggled to maintain a spot in the Oilers’ top six and had a mixed tenure with the team before moving on to his next chapter with the Panthers.
One of the key aspects of Puljujärvi’s game is his versatility. As a two-way forward, he brings more than just scoring potential; he can also be trusted with defensive assignments and penalty-killing responsibilities. His size and strength allow him to excel along the boards and in physical battles, attributes that could prove valuable to a Panthers team looking to enhance its bottom six and add more depth to the roster.
With the Panthers, Puljujärvi will have the chance to prove himself in a fresh environment, where the team is looking for a player who can provide a mix of size, skill, and defensive responsibility. Florida’s coaching staff will likely work to find the right role for Puljujärvi, utilizing his attributes while continuing to build his offensive game. His contract, which is a two-way deal, offers the team flexibility, allowing him to play in both the NHL and AHL depending on his performance and the team’s needs.
This signing also adds an element of depth to the Panthers’ forward group, particularly as they prepare for the stretch run of the season. While Puljujärvi has yet to fully live up to the expectations set by his high draft position, this could be the perfect opportunity for him to rediscover his form and make a meaningful impact on a team with championship aspirations. If Puljujärvi can live up to his potential in Florida, he could become an important contributor to the Panthers’ lineup both now and in the future.
