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“It was tough (last year), but I played 65 games the second year, so that was good,” said Puljujarvi, who seems like a totally different cat this year. “I had a good summer. I worked out a lot and tried to be better and better. I want to take another step.”

‘I feel comfortable’

He says he feels a lot more comfortable now that he’s able to express himself, ask questions and get a lay of the land. Getting there took some work, but he’s making real progress after a pretty slow start.

“I think it’s better,” he said. “My English is better and I know all my teammates. I know Edmonton. I have a good apartment there. I feel comfortable.”

Linemate and mentor Ryan Strome is as happy as anyone to see Puljujarvi begin to assimilate into North America, Edmonton, the Oilers and the third line with he and Jujhar Khaira.

“I think he and I have a pretty good relationship, I try to do my best to help him out a little bit,” he said. “It’s tough, I can’t imagine if I was a 19 or 20 year old in a different country and didn’t speak too much English. But he’s come a long way, and he’s a really good kid.

“If I can do a little it to help him, that’s great. Maybe off the ice a little bit, talk to him, see how he’s doing. Small talk, friend stuff.”

The change in Puljujarvi is also reflected on the ice, where he was one of the best players in Tuesday’s 4-2 win over the Canucks, scoring once and registering a team-high five shots on net.

It wasn’t just the numbers, though. He had jump and confidence and looked like they want him to look: like a young thoroughbred pushing to be faster and better.