Penguins Forward Jesse Puljujarvi Poised For Return Vs. Blue Jackets

Penguins forward Jesse Puljujarvi could make his return to the lineup Tuesday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets after being a healthy scratch for the last 13 Pittsburgh games.

Puljujarvi had played in only one of the Penguins’ last 18 games and has been a healthy scratch since Dec. 7 when Pittsburgh defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2.

Although it’s slated to be a game-time decision, Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan shared his expectations for Puljujarvi should the 26-year-old crack the lineup.

“I think when Jesse’s at his best, he’s a great puck pursuit guy,” Sullivan told reporters, per team-provided video. “He uses his skating ability, his size, his physical stature, his reach to make it hard on defensemen to make plays. Disrupts breakouts, disrupts timing, creates opportunities for his linemates, and goes to the net. I think that’s when he’s at his very best, and when he does that, he’s an effective player for us.

“The biggest point of contention that I’ve had with Jesse, and him and I have had this discussion, is just in the details of the game away from the puck and having a level of trust with respect to positional play and decisions and things of that nature. It’s never from a lack of effort from Jesse. He’s a hard-working guy; he cares about his own game, and he cares about winning.”

The struggling forward was placed on and cleared waivers before the turn of the calendar year, but the Penguins elected to keep him with the big club instead of sending him to their AHL affiliate. He spoke with reporters ahead of Tuesday’s matchup with the Blue Jackets on how he has stayed focused throughout the up and down season.

“It’s been extra hard because you don’t know where you’re going the next day or what happens,” Puljujarvi said. “But, I try to be a good person and a good hockey player and do my best off-ice and on-ice.”

Puljujarvi skated on the third line with Drew O’Connor and Kevin Hayes during Pittsburgh’s morning skate. He mentioned what he believes he can bring to the lineup if he’s slotted back in.

“I try to skate well, get in on the forecheck,” Puljujarvi said. “I try to be really strong with the puck, make good plays, good decisions, and that way, help the team to win.”

The Penguins will look to end their three-game winless streak against the Blue Jackets. Puck drop from PPG Paints Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

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