Jussi Jokinen has signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers. Jokinen was bought out by the Florida Panthers last Friday, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Jokinen's 1-year deal with Edmonton is worth $1.1 million.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 7, 2017
Jussi Jokinen Signs with the Edmonton Oilers
Jokinen was drafted in the sixth round by the Dallas Stars back in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He joined the Stars in the 2005-06 season, making an immediate impact with 55 points in his rookie year.
His point totals began to drop off with Dallas following his breakout rookie season. In 2006-07, the native of Kalajoki, Finland recorded 48 points. The following year he had 28 points in 52 games before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2008 Trade Deadline.
The following year Jokinen found himself on waivers, after just 16 points in 46 games. The Lightning traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes, where he would find a resurgence in the postseason. Jokinen had just 27 points over the regular season but found a second gear in the playoffs. He had 11 points in 18 games, carrying his late success into the following year.
Prior to the season, Jokinen signed a two-year extension with the Hurricanes. He had two the best years of his career under this contract, with 30 goals and 65 points in year one and 52 points in year two. He signed a three-year extension with Carolina heading into the 2011-12 season. His production would drop again, to 46 points in 79 games.
Following the 2012 lockout, Jokinen found himself on waivers for the second time in his career. 11 points in 33 games were not enough for Carolina, and he was shipped off to Pittsburgh. Once again, Jokinen had a resurgence after being traded. He had 11 points in 10 games with the Penguins, followed up by a 57 point season.
Previous Contract
The success resulted in a four-year, $16 million contract with the Florida Panthers. It started well for Jokinen in Sunrise, with 44 points in 2014-15 in 81 games. In 2015-16, Jokinen hit the 60 point plateau for the second time in his career, scoring 18 goals in the campaign as well. The contract was looking great until the 2016-17 season came.
This past year, Jokinen and the rest of the Panthers struggled. The 34-year-old was held to just 69 games, in which he scored 28 points. The dramatic dip in production was enough for the Panthers, a team with an internal cap, to cut ties.
If you go by his career results, a big season from Jokinen is in store in 2017-18. Upon joining a new team, Jussi Jokinen has recorded 55, 65, 57, and 44 point seasons. More likely a scenario is a solid, 30-40 point season from the veteran. Still a good middle six option, Jokinen will be a great scoring depth addition for the Oilers.
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