In the 2016 NHL Draft, the Edmonton Oilers held the fourth overall pick and faced a pivotal choice that might have reshaped their future. With Matthew Tkachuk available—a gritty, skilled winger known for his aggressive play and offensive talent—the Oilers had the chance to add a dynamic force to their roster. However, after the Columbus Blue Jackets unexpectedly selected Pierre-Luc Dubois third, Jesse Puljujärvi, a highly-touted Finnish prospect, fell to Edmonton at No. 4, prompting a decision that still fuels debate among fans.
While Puljujärvi’s selection seemed like an obvious move at the time, Edmonton’s fortunes since have led many to wonder: what if the Oilers had picked Tkachuk instead?
Edmonton’s Choice: Jesse Puljujärvi and Its Challenges
Puljujärvi arrived with a strong reputation, having impressed at the World Junior Championships and standing out as a combination of size, speed, and offensive skill. His unexpected availability at the fourth pick created a moment of excitement among Oilers supporters—a rare instance where a top prospect “wasn’t supposed to be here.”
However, Puljujärvi’s career with Edmonton never quite solidified. He struggled to secure a consistent role, fluctuating between the NHL and the AHL amid a period of organizational instability and coaching changes. Despite showing determination and a clear affinity for Oil Country, Puljujärvi couldn’t lock down a regular spot in the Oilers’ top-six forwards.
Meanwhile, Matthew Tkachuk thrived elsewhere, quickly fitting into Calgary’s lineup and developing into a versatile and relentless competitor who impacted his team both on and off the ice.
Visualizing a McDavid, Draisaitl, and Tkachuk Lineup
Imagining a lineup with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Matthew Tkachuk offers a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been. By 2017, McDavid was already showcasing exceptional playmaking ability, and Draisaitl was emerging as a dominant presence. Adding Tkachuk’s aggressive, high-energy style alongside them would have created a formidable trio.
Tkachuk’s reputation as a player who thrives in high-pressure situations and contributes over 70 points a season makes it easy to picture him battling in playoff scrums, driving the puck to the net, and delivering pivotal hits in crucial moments. Fans have often pointed to moments like the Oilers’ 2017 playoff series, the devastating 2021 sweep by the Winnipeg Jets, and their runs to the Stanley Cup Final as times when a player of Tkachuk’s caliber might have turned the tide.
With Tkachuk on the roster, those series might have played out very differently, possibly tilting Edmonton’s fortunes toward victory rather than heartbreak.
Calgary’s Gain and the Rivalry Impact
The decision to select Puljujärvi instead of Tkachuk is especially painful because the Calgary Flames found in Tkachuk not only a skilled winger but also an emotional leader and an intense rival for Edmonton. His aggressive style helped reignite the Battle of Alberta, highlighted by his fierce on-ice confrontations with Oilers players such as Zack Kassian.
The narrative of Tkachuk as public enemy number one in Edmonton underscores the sting of his omission from the Oilers’ lineup. What if he had been the one challenging Calgary instead? What if he were the player changing momentum in Game 7 scenarios while donning the blue and orange?
Tkachuk’s presence brings swagger and identity, characteristics teams desperately seek when pursuing the Stanley Cup, highlighting the missed potential for Edmonton’s culture and competitive edge.
The Ongoing Puljujärvi Story
Puljujärvi’s path has not been one of outright failure, but rather of unrealized promise. Despite a committed effort and evident character, he struggled to find his place within Edmonton’s system. After returning to Finland in 2019 to recalibrate, he experienced some success but never consistently reached the heights expected of a top draft pick.
In 2023, the Oilers traded Puljujärvi to the Carolina Hurricanes, ending his chapter with the organization quietly, far from the franchise-altering impact many had hoped for. His journey demonstrates how draft picks depend not only on talent but also on fit and timing within a team environment.
For Oilers fans, it is difficult not to imagine Tkachuk maneuvering around the crease alongside McDavid, relieving pressure on Draisaitl, and delivering the kind of momentum-shifting plays that change playoff outcomes. His performances for teams like the Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers reveal his potential impact if he had been drafted by Edmonton.
Reflecting on the Draft’s Long-Term Influence
The 2016 NHL Draft serves as a defining moment for both the Oilers and the Flames. Calgary secured a player who grew into a cornerstone and emotional leader, while Edmonton ended up with a prospect who, despite talent and effort, never fit the organization’s needs as hoped. This draft remains one of the most significant “what ifs” in recent Oilers history, particularly concerning Matthew Tkachuk Oilers 2016 Draft decisions.
Interestingly, in March 2025, Puljujärvi signed with the Florida Panthers, joining a team where Tkachuk now plays, creating an unexpected reunion. Despite the tough hindsight, Edmonton fans know that the landscape of drafting and rebuilding is filled with unpredictable turns. The opportunity to make a transformative pick always lies just around the corner, promising renewed hope for future successes.