Possible trade between the Habs and Oilers: The price to acquire Puljujarvi is now revealed

The Oilers have confirmed that they are open to trading their big Finnish winger, and he seems to be a perfect fit for what Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton are looking for, but nothing has materialized so far.

Now we know why.

According to reports from Mark Spector, an Edmonton-based journalist who covers the Oilers closely, their general manager Ken Holland is asking for a second round pick for Puljujarvi.

To Edmonton: A second-round pick.

With good reason, Kent Hughes wasn't willing (and isn't willing) to pay that price, especially considering the high value of his second round picks.

For example, with his 2022 second round picks, he drafted Owen Beck as well as Lane Hutson. Two very promising players who are probably untouchable for the Tricolore right now.

In 2023, the Montreal Canadiens have only one second round pick (theirs), and if the team does finish far down in the overall standings, the pick in question will almost be a first round pick.

So Hughes and Gorton are brilliant for not accepting such a trade.

On the other hand, if the Oilers' price drops and they finally agree to let Puljujarvi go for a third round pick, would you?

Recall that the New York Rangers' seventh overall pick, Lias Andersson, was traded under similar circumstances, for a late second-round pick in 2020, just that.

Puljujarvi, 24, is 6-foot-4 and 201 pounds. He was drafted fourth overall in 2016 and had 14 goals and 36 points in 65 games with the Oilers last year.