Carolina Hurricanes retains Forward Jussi Jokinen, signs 3-year $9 million contract –NHL Update
Known for his versatility and dynamic playing abilities, Carolina Hurricanes was successful in retaining its 28-year-old left winger, Jussi Jokinen, for another three years as he re-signed with the team to a three-year, $9 million ($3 million annually) contract on Thursday morning, one day before he would have become an unrestricted free agent.
"Jussi is a player who fit in with our team from day one in all situations, and has been a valuable offensive contributor", Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford said. "He feels that he has found a home in Carolina, and we are glad that he has chosen to stay with the Hurricanes".
This was Hurricanes fifth player that it was successful in retaining in its strong line-up since the offseason began which also included forwards, Chad LaRose and Patrick Dwyer, along with defensemen, Joni Pitkanen and Jay Harrison.
Jokinen did not hesitate about making the decision, since he regards himself as being perfect in the situation he already is and adding that it is not about the monetary benefits at all.
"I probably could have gone to July 1 or July 2 and maybe there would have been some pretty big offers out there", Jokinen said in a telephone interview from his native country, Finland. "But it's never been about the money for me. It wasn't two years ago, and it won't be after three years".
Jokinen was the 192nd overall pick of the 2001 National Hockey League (NHL) during round-six by Dallas Stars.
He played three seasons with Dallas until moving on to Tampa Bay Lightning for two seasons and finally Carolina Hurricanes during the 2008-2009 season.
Jussi put up 52 points, 19 goals and 33 assists, in the last regular season in which he played 70 games.
Carolina was not able to make the playoffs by a hair's length, but has its eyes set on making a much bigger impact when the next season starts. Carolina certainly has the manpower, but it only depends on how it uses it.
Hurricanes has not re-signed Erik Cole as of yet and looks to be the only Carolina player who will enter a slim free agency this year.
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