Jokinen a ‘perfect fit’ for Oilers
Veteran forward can play many roles — including mentor to teen prospect Puljujarvi
Jussi Jokinen’s business card says left winger, right winger, centre, team owner.
“Knowing Jesse (Puljujarvi), that’s a nice bonus,” said Edmonton Oilers assistant GM Keith Gretzky, after they signed the 34-year-old forward who happens to be part-owner of Karpat in the Finnish League, where 2016 first-round pick Jesse Puljujarvi played.
Jokinen’s versatility, along with his 891 NHL games over 12 NHL seasons, and the possibility he’ll become a mentor to Puljujarvi, 19, were all factors in the Oilers moving quickly to sign him to a one-year, $1.1-million contract after the Florida Panthers bought him out just before July 1.
The Panthers didn’t want to pay Jokinen his $4-million salary, so they’re paying him $1.3 million this season and next on his buyout. As such, the Oilers are getting a Swiss army knife-type player for a song. He could play in their Top 9 somewhere, and maybe get some second-unit power play time. He’s also scored 36 shootout goals.
His prior relationship with Puljujarvi was certainly a consideration.
“I’ve been practising with Jesse for three years in the summer. I know all about him, his potential. He’s still a young guy, learning how to be an NHL player. Hopefully, I’ll be able to help him,” said Jokinen, who has scored at least 50 points a season five times and also has 32 points in 54 career playoff games.
He had a feeling his days in Florida were numbered after last season, though, after a rare off year with just 28 points in 69 games. The Panthers wanted to slash payroll.
“He’s been an excellent mentor for our young players and he’s one of the classiest players in the game,” said Florida GM Dale Tallon.
“I knew they had to shed about $10 million in salary this year, so the easiest thing was to move around some of my money,” said Jokinen.
“It wasn’t like it came out of the blue.”
He’s not sure where he fits in with the Oilers. He wears a lot of hats.
“Twelve years in the NHL and six years were at left wing, three at centre, three at right wing. I feel comfortable at every position, wherever the team needs me,” he said.
The Panthers only played the Oilers a few times last year, but Jokinen ran down their lineup like he’d been sitting in their dressing room.
“I like knowing what’s going on in the league. I watch a lot of hockey,” said Jokinen, who says he didn’t sign with the Oilers just because of Connor McDavid.
He’s not the first Oilers player from Oulu, up by the North Pole, either. Reijo Ruotsalainen played for Karpat. So did Janne Niinimaa and Joni Pitkanen.
The Oilers jumped quickly on Jokinen, who has also played for Dallas, Tampa, Carolina and Pittsburgh.
“We got lucky. He’s experienced, he can play all the forward positions and he can help Jesse along,” said Gretzky. “We really like what he has to offer. We’re always looking to improve the hockey club, and when (Jokinen was bought out) in Florida, it was something we couldn’t pass up. A perfect fit. He can be in our Top 9.”
Or, at worst, he’ll be a fourth line left wing who will find a way to get 12-14 minutes a game because he can play anywhere.
He’s taken over 4,000 NHL faceoffs and won 53 per cent of them, too, a large selling point for the Oilers.
Jokinen will win a roster spot, for certain. Gretzky sees the 19-year-old Puljujarvi pushing for one, too, but it has to be as one of the top three right wing slots. They don’t want him on the fourth line. They’d rather see him back in Bakersfield, where he played the last half of his rookie North American season.
“People forget how young he is. To come from Europe like he did? And throw in the language (difference). Hopefully he’s ready to make the next step,” said Gretzky.