Insider says Rangers made proposal for Puljujarvi

According to one Insider, the New York Rangers pitched a trade for Edmonton's Jesse Puljujarvi that be believes was denied. Jim Matheson says he has no doubt the Rangers tried to get Puljujarvi for Lias Andersson, another former first-round pick who seems to be spinning his wheels in the NHL. Matheson says Edmonton would rather have a winger than a centre if a trade for Puljujarvi is going to be made.

Andersson was drafted 7th overall in in 2017. Since that time, he's managed 63 NHL games, scoring just three goals and nine points. The 21-year-old has played 14 games with the Rangers so far this season, but has managed just one assist.

Puljujarvi has been playing with Kärpät of the Finnish Elite League, and has made it clear he intends to stay there for the rest of this season regardless of whether he gets traded from Edmonton or not. Puljujarvi went back to Europe in the offseason and demanded a trade stating he needed a change of scenery. He has been doing quite well there, with 20 points, including 11 goals, in 18 games. The 21-year-old was drafted fourth overall by Edmonton in 2016.