After not being selected during the 2023 NHL Draft, Jesse Pulkkinen’s luck took a significant turn the following year. Chosen by the NY Islanders in the second round, Pulkkinen became the first overage player picked and signed his Entry-Level Contract (ELC) with the team shortly after the draft.
While he was initially expected to return to Finland for the 2024-25 season to play in Liiga with JYP, Pulkkinen remains open to the possibility of playing in North America, aiming to secure a roster spot following training camp.
“It’s quite likely I’ll be with JYP’s league team, but I’m not ruling out North America,” Pulkkinen told NHL.com/fi (translated from Finnish). “The main factor will be the Islanders’ decision. Personally, I’m focused on making a significant impact in the league and pushing myself to succeed.”
However, Pulkkinen’s prospects for joining the Bridgeport Islanders or attending training camp have been affected by a lower limb injury, as reported by Heikki Löfman of Keskisuomalainen. The injury is anticipated to keep him off the ice for several weeks, but it’s unclear if he was training independently or with JYP, who are gearing up for their season opener on September 10.
Among the Islanders’ defensive prospects, Pulkkinen is positioned alongside Calle Odelius and Isaiah George. He is regarded as one of their most talented offensive defensemen, standing at 6’6″.
If Pulkkinen continues to progress, he could find himself playing on Long Island sooner rather than later.
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