Insider believes the Oilers and Lightning might swing a deal

As the March 3rd Trade Deadline approaches, NHL Trade Rumors continue to heat up throughout the league. In a recent article for Daily Faceoff, NHL insider Frank Seravalli has circled the struggling Edmonton Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi as a target for several teams over the next month.

“All signs point to the end being near on Jesse Puljujarvi’s time with #Oilers. Is there a team interested in trying to unlock the 2016 No. 4 ov pick’s potential? Or will he be a salary cap casualty? Scouting report, teams in the mix and potential comps:” – Frank Seravalli

It may not come as a surprise that Puljujarvi might be moved this trade deadline, as Edmonton’s General Manager Ken Holland sent a note to every team stating that the forward is available. However, there may be a surprising suitor for the former fourth-overall draft pick.

While NHL trade rumors are a big part of every season, sometimes when there’s smoke, there’s fire. According to Seravalli, the Tampa Bay Lightning might emerge as a top trade candidate for Puljujarvi.

The player failed to live up to the expectations thrust upon him after being selected by the Edmonton Oilers with the fourth pick of the 2016 NHL Draft. However, a change of scenery could pay off drastically for the Swedish forward.

Tampa Bay may be the ideal fit for Jesse Pujujuarvi to rebuild his confidence and reach his full potential. Not only have the Bolts notoriously improved their bottom-six forwards historically at the trade deadline, but this is not the first time Pujujarvi has been linked to Tampa in NHL trade rumors. The team reached out to the Oilers for a trade as far back as 2019.

“Elliotte Friedman on 31 Thoughts writes the Edmonton Oilers were involved in Jesse Puljujarvi trade talks with the New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, and Tampa Bay Lightning (among others) prior to the RFA signing deadline. Writes that nothing really came about. #LetsGoOilers” – NHL News

Through 49 games with the Edmonton Oilers this season, Jesse Puljujarvi has recorded four goals and six assists, while also contributing to a -13 plus/minus.

Other NHL trade rumors linked to the Tampa Bay Lightning

Aside from Jesse Puljujarvi, the Tampa Bay Lightning has been one of the teams mentioned most often in NHL trade rumors as the trade deadline is just a month away. Another name linked to them is veteran defenseman of the Vancouver Canucks, Luke Schenn.

Schenn, who helped Tampa Bay win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021, may find himself back in Florida, as he has been linked to both the Lightning and Boston Bruins. The stay-at-home defense will be a cheap asset for the top contending teams this trade deadline season.