How does the Jesse Puljujarvi trade affect the Edmonton Oilers moving forward?

After remaining relatively quiet as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches, the Edmonton Oilers traded forward Jesse Puljujarvi to the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday. The struggling forward has been in rumors for months, with the Oilers considering waiving the young winger.

"On Tuesday morning, in a $3 million salary dump, the Oilers sent Puljuarvi to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for prospect forward Puistola. #yeg #EdmontonOilers" - Edmonton Sun

The Edmonton Oilers sent Jesse Puljujarvi to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for prospect Patrik Puistola. While some fans may have preferred to see the Oilers hang on to the former fourth-overall draft pick, the forward struggled to improve during his time with the club.

The trade will save the Oilers $3 million in salary cap space, likely leading to another move before Friday's NHL trade deadline. Many believe that moving Puljujarvi will help Edmonton facilitate a trade for Erik Karlsson.

"I am actively rooting for Karlsson to the Oilers It's what NHL fans deserve. He's be their highest scoring dman since Paul Coffey" - Adam Wylde

The 32-year-old Swedish defenseman has been in trade rumors all season, with the San Jose Sharks seemingly entering a rebuilding phase. Both parties would be interested in the move, with the Edmonton Oilers seeing themselves as true Stanley Cup contenders.

While the trade may be inching closer to completion, the main issue plaguing a potential deal is the financial aspect. Karlsson has a gigantic $11.5 million cap hit and has four more years left after this one, which may end up as a franchise-crippling albatross as he ages.

The San Jose Sharks can retain up to 50% of Karlsson's salary, leaving the Oilers with a hefty $5.75 million cap hit. Now, with Puljujarvi's salary off of the books, the deal seems to be inevitable at this point. However, both teams must sort out the financial details if a trade happens.

"#NHLTradeDeadline news - The Oilers just cleared $3M off the books by sending Jesse Puljujarvi to Carolina. They'll now try to make a subsequent trade for a defenseman. Possible targets: Jakob Chychrun, Mattias Ekholm, Vladislav Gavrikov...and in their dreams, Erik Karlsson." - Anthony Baldini

If the Edmonton Oilers don't land Karlsson, who else could they target?

If the Sharks and Oilers cannot figure out a deal for Erik Karlsson, the Oilers may look to pursue a top-tier defenseman elsewhere. One of the rumored targets is Jakob Chychrun. The 24-year-old defenseman will likely be moved by the Arizona Coyotes, as the team is holding him out of the lineup until the trade deadline.

"The Edmonton Oilers and Arizona Coyotes were progressing on Jake Chychrun trade negotiations yesterday. Things cooled late afternoon. Holland also talking with CBJ and Nashville on Gavrikov and Ekholm. Plan is to resume talks with all 3 today." - Darren Dreger