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Oilers News and Rumors: Puljujarvi, McDavid, Prospects, More

In today’s Edmonton Oilers news and rumors there is a ton of reaction to Jesse Puljujarvi signing in Finland. Arguments are coming from both sides of the spectrum and opinions are varied. So too, Connor McDavid speaks on the RFA situation in the NHL and there is clarification as to why he pulled out of the BioSteel camp. Finally, 30 years ago today, one of the greatest players had his likeness etched in bronze.

Puljujarvi to Finland Reactions

The news that Jesse Puljujarvi had signed a one-year deal with Oulu Karpat is being met with a ton of varying reactions.

Edmonton Oilers Jesse Puljujarvi Buffalo Sabres Vladimir Sobotka
Edmonton Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi and Buffalo Sabres forward Vladimir Sobotka (Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports)

Some, like The Athletic’s Jonathan Willis, is saying, “the one consistent factor for all of the Oilers’ misfiring prospects over the last decade has been the Oilers.” He goes on to add that the Oilers could not have done a poorer job on player development there if it had tried.

No. 9-Ranking Farm System?

Corey Pronman of The Athletic took a look at the Edmonton Oilers and ranked them No. 9 in the NHL. He cites that they have made positive developments in the last 12 months and have several prospects who took steps forward.

Edmonton Oilers Wayne Gretzky Philip Broberg Ken Holland
Edmonton Oilers Wayne Gretzky, Philip Broberg and Ken Holland (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward)

Pronman writes:

They had a strong 2019 draft and amateur defensemen Evan Bouchard and Dmitri Samorukov had good seasons. For the first time in a while, you can say there is some depth coming for the Oilers to supplement their stars.

source – ‘2019 NHL farm system rankings: No. 9 Edmonton Oilers’ – Corey Pronman – The Athletic – 08/27/2019

Are the Oilers really that high on the NHL ranking list? If so, fans should expect some players in the system to contribute in the next one or two seasons.

30 Years Ago Today, Gretzky Gets Statue

“I don’t know how I would put into words what it’s like to stand here and see yourself,” Gretzky said when he saw his statue unveiled at what was the Oilers’ home ice, the Northlands Coliseum, 30 years ago.

Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers
Wayne Gretzky #99 (Photo by B Bennett/Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)

Today marks the 30-year anniversary of the unveiling of Gretzky’s bronze statue outside Northland’s Coliseum in 1989. He is still remembered in Edmonton today as one of the greatest things to ever come to the city, the NHL and that statue is still a constant reminder of the glory days for Oilers fans.

Related: NHL Rumors: Senators, Stars, Oilers, More

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Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons is a senior THW freelance writer, part-time journalist and audio/video host who lives, eats, sleeps and breathes NHL news and rumors, while also writing features on the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs. He’s been a trusted source for six-plus years at The Hockey Writers, but more than that, he’s on a mission to keep readers up to date with the latest NHL rumors and trade talk. Jim is a daily must for readers who want to be “in the know.”

Other content contributions include: NHLtradetalk.com, The Sportster and hosting weekly video casts, THW News and Rumors Rundown, plus Oilers Overtime.

For interview requests or to provide content info, follow Jim on Twitter or his social media accounts. They appear under his photo on articles like this one.

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