Colorado Avalanche Rumors: Rantanen Trying To Recruit Oilers' Winger

The Edmonton Oilers have been trying to move Jesse Puljujarvi for a while now since his offensive production just hasn't been good enough. His $3 million cap hit hasn't made it easy, and the Oilers have contemplated even waiving him in order to make a trade easier. As so many teams have been linked to Puljujarvi, a fellow countryman appears to be lobbying for his team to acquire Puljujarvi.

Mikko Rantanen of the Colorado Avalanche spoke on Puljujarvi saying, "I know what a great guy Jesse Puljujarvi is. It would be a fresh new start for him here with a good dressing room and good support around him. I believe it would definitely work." Rantanen and Puljujarvi are both Finnish-born players drafted one year apart.

Rantanen had also reached out to general manager Joe Sakic when the Avalanche played the Oilers earlier this season about a potential fit for Puljujarvi with the team, himself, and Artturi Lehkonen. The Avalanche are the team that gave Valeri Nichushkin a fresh start and have allowed him to reach his potential. They could do that one more time with the former fourth overall pick Puljujarvi who is a similar player to Nichushkin. Colorado is looking for some depth up front as they have been ravaged with injuries this season and have had to use a lot of inexperienced forwards.