Popular writer suggests that the Oilers may go after yet another former Leaf via trade

Per Jonathan Willis, a deal could make sense between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Edmonton Oilers involving Kasperi Kapanen and Jesse Puljujarvi. Kapanen has found himself on the receiving end of several healthy scratches this season, while Puljujarvi is once again struggling to produce in Edmonton, despite the talent that surrounds him there. Puljujarvi has been limited to just 1 goal and 4 points in 19 games this season.

Both Kapanen and Puljujarvi are former 1st rounders who could use a change of scenery and while neither player has impressed this year, both could end up with a chance to rebound from a tough start in 2022-23. For Puljujarvi, there may be an opportunity to play alongside either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. Kapanen, though, could be a real asset to the Oilers on their top line, as he may be one of the few players in the NHL who might actually be able to keep up with Connor McDavid in a foot race.

Puljujarvi makes just $3M this season and will be a restricted free agent when his deal expires in the summer. Meanwhile, Kapanen makes $3.2M per season and is signed through 2023-24, which could interest the Oilers due to his cost-certainty for next year.

Kapanen was originally a part of the infamous trade that sent Phil Kessel to Pittsburgh. He spent a few years with the Leafs' organization before being traded back to the Pens in the deal that brought in a 1st round pick from the Pens, which they used on 2020 15th overall pick Rodion Amirov.