Calgary Flames' Olli Jokinen signs on with Winnipeg Jets to two-year deal -NHL Update
Calgary Flames wanted Olli Jokinen to test the free agency and it looks like it did not take the veteran forward long to secure a contract as the neighbouring Winnipeg Jets signed the player on to a two-year, $9 million deal on Monday, July 2, 2012.
Jokinen became an unrestricted free agent a day earlier after his previous two-year, $6 million with the Calgary Flames came to an end.
Jets’ general manager, Kevin Cheveldayoff, was the one to make the announcement and termed their new player as one which would provide extensive depth in the offensive department.
“When you do have the ability to upgrade in any facet of the centre position, you have to take a good, long look at it,” Cheveldayoff said during a conference call on Monday night. “We believe strength down the middle will give you a lot of success in the
long run.”
Last season, the native of Kuopio, Finland, had one of his best in recent years and he put up 61 points (23 goals, 38 assists) in 82 games played.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to bring a front-line player, a Top-6 player into the organization,” added GM Cheveldayoff, while talking about Jokinen. “His size comes to the forefront right now, he’s difficult to handle. When he gets moving, he does
move very well.”
Jets, a newly relocated team which was known as the Atlanta Thrashers prior to the 2011-2012 NHL regular season, had a top notch season last time around and nearly made the playoffs. Knowing their potential, Jets are using this offseason to secure some high
level players in order to go in full force when they get the chance next season and acquiring Jokinen shows that Winnipeg is on the right track.
Jokinen was acquired by the Los Angeles Kings with their third overall pick during the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. He currently has 1,042 games under his belt with 683 points (292 goals, 391 assists) and a total of 967 minutes in penalty time.
Now all that Winnipeg Jets have to do is find a prominent spot for the forward and next season just might be one where they make a significant impact.
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