NY Islanders prospect Jesse Pulkkinen suffers injury in Finland

After going the entire 2023 NHL Draft without hearing his name called, Jesse Pulkkinen’s fortunes dramatically changed a year later. Selected by the NY Islanders in the second round, Pulkkinen became the first overage player selected, signing his ELC with the organization soon after draft day.

Expecting to return to Finland to play the 2024-25 season in Liiga with JYP, Pulkkinen isn't crossing off playing in North America so quickly, hoping to earn a roster spot after training camp.

"It is very likely that I will play in JYP's league team, but anything can happen here," Pulkkinen told NHL.com/fi (translated from Finnish). "The biggest deciding factor in where I play is theirs (the Islanders). Personally, I'm going into the season aiming to be able to make a result in the men's series and push myself properly in the league.”

Pulkkinen has a setback while in Finland

Pulkkinen’s chances of making the Bridgeport Islanders roster or even attending training camp have taken a hit, as he's sustained what is being called a lower limb injury according to Heikki Löfman of Keskisuomalainen in Finland.

The injury is expected to keep Pulkkinen off the ice for weeks rather than days, but it's unknown whether he was training on his own or with JYP, who are preparing for the season opener on September 10.

As the Islanders' defensive prospect pool stands, Pulkkinen joins Calle Odelius and Isaiah George near the top. He's likely their most gifted offensive prospect from the blue line, also standing 6'6".

If Pulkkinen continues his upward trajectory, we may see him playing on Long Island sooner rather than later.