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:
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.