Edmonton Oilers Lose Key Forward to Injury

The Edmonton Oilers will carry on for the next month or so without forward Jesse Puljujarvi who suffered a lower-body injury during the Oilers 7-3 victory against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night.

Coach Woodcroft notes that Jesse Puljujarvi's lower-body injury will keep him out for about four weeks.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 18, 2022

The 23-year-old is the latest Oiler to fall to injury as the roster is becoming chomped on by the injury bug. Puljujarvi had been in a serious slump of late and Edmonton fans were happy to see him score his 12th goal of the season during the second period of Thursday's game, but unfortunately it was all down hill from there.

The former top prospect is in his fifth season as an Oiler and has recorded 28 points in 46 games so far in 2021-22. He's on pace for a career season and seems to have finally found a role on the team as the Oilers continue to work on the best combination of forwards up front.

Jesse Puljujarvi scores against the Anaheim Ducks to make it 3-2 #EDMvsANA #LetsGoOilers #FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/MibBiOZsOF
— nopClips (@nopClips) February 18, 2022

Puljujarvi is a pending restricted free agent who will be in line for a raise on his $1.17 million annual salary. After being linked to trades for several seasons it appears he's finally found a permanent role on the team and it's likely we'll see him re-sign in the offseason. For now, the team hopes he can get healthy and get back to helping out his teammates as the Oilers are pushing for the final playoff spot in the western conference.

Photo credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports