Oilers won't loan Puljujarvi to world juniors

The Edmonton Oilers don't seem to have a concrete plan for 18-year-old No. 4 overall draft selection Jesse Puljujarvi.

That is, except for not making him available to Finland for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship. That definitely ain't happening, general manager Peter Chiarelli revealed Tuesday.

But aside from that, it appears the prized prospect that fell into their laps will remain in and out of the lineup, and perhaps see time with Bakersfield of the American Hockey League.

"He's shown he can play at this level. He hasn't played lately," Chiarelli said Tuesday. "It's not ideal to have an 18-year-old not playing every game. He may see some time in the (AHL). We'll see how it goes."

Puljujarvi has sat out the last two games, but will dress Tuesday versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. He hasn't scored since the season opener, and has been largely unable to find a fit in Edmonton's temperamental top nine.