Puljujarvi Gets New Opportunity, But No Contract Yet

Forward Jesse Puljujarvi, who was put through unconditional waivers over the weekend for the purpose of terminating his contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, got a new opportunity Monday — but not in Europe, as had been widely expected.

Puljujarvi, a day after becoming a free agent, signed a PTO with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League. There is no guarantee he will earn a contract offer from that, but it is a chance to continue to play in a pro league in North America.

The Penguins took something of a flyer on Jesse Puljujarvi, 26, before last season, as he was trying to come back from double hip surgery. He was a first-round draft pick by Edmonton in 2016.

This season, the Finnish winger had nine points, including three goals, in 26 games with the Penguins, but he could not stick in the lineup.