Jesse Puljujarvi to miss NHL Combine fitness tests after surgery

NHL young guns Jack Eichel, Michael McCarron, Sonny Milano and others talk about the toughest tasks they had to perform at the NHL Combine.

Jesse Puljujarvi, the projected third-overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, told NHL.com Thursday he will not participate in this weekend’s NHL Scouting Combine’s fitness testing.

The 18-year-old Finnish right wing sustained an injury to his left knee playing for Karpat in Liiga on March 4 and underwent surgery in May.

“I don’t like [that I can’t participate],” Puljujarvi told the site. “But it’s good, it’s good. It’s feeling better and better.”

More on the 2016 NHL Combine here:

  • 2016 NHL Combine Live Stream: Watch Matthews and Laine in action on Saturday
  • 2016 NHL Combine FAQ: What you need to know
  • How NHL teams benefit from the Draft Combine interview process

    • Puljujarvi did participate in Thursday’s functional movement screening test and has been interviewed by 11 teams.

    The Columbus Blue Jackets hold the No. 3 selection in the draft.

    Puljujarvi led his country to a gold medal at the 2016 World Junior Championship with seven goals and five assists in seven games. He was named the tournament’s best forward and most valuable player.

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