It looks like Jesse Puljujarvi will play on the power play Monday night when the Edmonton Oilers host the San Jose Sharks.
Puljujarvi, who has shown some spark five-on-five this season, practiced on Sunday on a power play unit with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Ryan Strome, Patrick Maroon, and Matt Benning.
Puljujarvi has six goals in 16 games but has yet to be rewarded with any significant power play time.
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“He’s steadily improved since he’s got here. He’s been able to take increments of his game up on a steady basis. We think he’s ready to go there,” said head coach Todd McLellan.
“He’s earned the opportunity. What we’ve watched with him is making sure that he hasn’t given up anything in his game as he takes more on. He’s done a very good job of that.
“We want him to continue. The next progression is power play time.”
“I think he’s starting to play with more confidence,” said left winger Milan Lucic.
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“The biggest difference with him from last year is he’s moving his feet. Last year, he was just standing and watching and playing on the perimeter a lot. I think what he’s learned, looking at the six goals he’s scored this year, most of them have been right around the crease.”
Defenceman Oscar Klefbom missed practice on Sunday, but McLellan said it was merely a maintenance day. Adam Larsson (upper body) could play Monday after missing the last eight games. Andrej Sekera continues to skate and is close to returning from an ACL surgery in May. However, he won’t play against the Sharks.