Patrik Puistola

July 2023 – After trading Jesse Puljujarvi for Puistola, Edmonton opted not to resign the Finnish prospect in June. He is now a free agent. Jameson Ewasiuk

February 2023 – Puistola has been traded to the Edmonton Oilers for Puljujarvi, the trade is one-for-one. Puistola is currently having his best season in the Liiga, his third full-time season, with 38 point in 54 games with Jukurit. He has legitimate top six upside, so the trade is not a complete one-sides affair for Carolina. Puistola has one more season left in the Liiga before his contract expires and he could possibly head to North America then. Pat Quinn

March 2022 – Puistola has managed 16 goals and 8 assists for 24 points in 54 games for Jurkurit in Finland’s Liiga. Puistola has had a knack for goal scoring in his young amateur career, and has often scored more than he has assisted throughout all levels of hockey. Puistola appears to be a long shot to crack Carolina’s NHL line up, but is only 21, and could be worth a speculative stash should he transition to North America to ply his trade in the AHL. Alex Wyatt

May 2021 – Puistola appeared in 50 games for JYP in Liiga action this season, scoring four times and adding 10 assists. His production was solid considering he played around 11-12 minutes per game throughout the year. Austin Broad 

February 2021 – Puistola finds himself in the midst of a tough season for JYP (Liiga). His team has only one win in their last 10-games and he has not been able to find the scoresheet in any of them. Although he is in the middle of a scoring slump, Puistola is having his best season as a pro in Finland. The 2019 73^rd overall pick has 11-points in 37 games (three goals and eight assists) and is tied for fifth on his team in assists. Austin Broad 

January 2021 – There was a lot of speculation as to why Puistola didn’t make the Finnish national team for the World Juniors this past January and we didn’t get a definitive answer as to why. He dominated the tournament the year before, but a slow start this year in Liiga caused some to sour on him a bit. He’s bounced back a bit, but it was definitely a surprise to see him left out of the tournament. There’s still much reason to believe that he can bounce back and be a good player for the Canes down the road. Jack LeGwin

February 2020 – Puistola falling to the third round of the 2019 draft was one of the mysteries of the weekend, and the past year has shown that Carolina didn’t make a mistake picking him up at 73^rd overall thus far with his progress. After being loaned to Koo Koo, he has 3 points in 8 games in Liiga play and has continued to show his progression. My guess is he might get one more year in Finland next year before making his way stateside. Jack LeGwin

June 2019 – Puistola has been drafted 73^rd overall by the Hurricanes.  Jokke Nevalainen

June 2019 – Puistola was officially measured at 6-foot-0.5 and 175 pounds at the NHL Draft Combine.  Jokke Nevalainen

February 2019 – Puistola started this season in the top junior league in Finland but soon it became evident he was ready for the next level. He’s played some games at the Liiga level and has scored his first point there as well but Tappara has a stacked team, so Puistola’s minutes have been very limited there. Because of that, he’s been playing mostly in the Mestis lately, and he’s been tearing it up much more than expected. His season is one of the best that league has ever seen from someone his age. Puistola has also been a top player for Finland at the U18 level in various tournaments, and he’s expected to play a major role for them at the U18 Worlds. Puistola’s father was a long-time pro hockey player in Europe which is probably one of the reasons why Puistola’s game has translated so well to the pro level. He’s a skilled offensive played but he’s also responsible defensively and does all the little things needed to have success against pro players. Puistola is likely to be a second-round pick in the summer.  Jokke Nevalainen