Former fourth-overall pick to become UFA after not receiving qualifying offer

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Cooper Godin
June 29, 2023 (2:16 PM)

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After struggling with the Edmonton Oilers, former fourth-overall pick Jesse Puljujarvi was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes with the hope that a change of scenery would help him.

Puljujarvi was excited for that fresh start, but his time with the Hurricanes likely didn't go as he expected. After being dealt to them in late February, he appeared in 17 regular season games, putting up only two assists. During the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he only played in seven of 11 Carolina's games, recording one assist.

Now, Puljujarvi's time with the Hurricanes is over. TSN's Chris Johnston is reporting that Puljujarvi recently underwent double hip surgery and won't be issued a qualifying offer by the Hurricanes and will become a UFA.

"There is word that Jesse Puljujarvi recently underwent double hip surgery and is facing a lengthy recovery. He won't receive a qualifying offer from the #hurricanes before tomorrow's deadline and will become an unrestricted free agent." Johnston said.

Many are curious what level of interest there will be from teams around the NHL beginning on July 1st, but it's unlikely that he will sign right away. There's also a chance that Puljujarvi will decide to head home to Finland and sign in Liiga, potentially with his former club, Karpat.