Former Panthers captain Jokinen again traded; Florida fanbase indifferent?

by Donny Rivette on Feb 2, 2010 7:10 PM EST Comment 6 comments

Less than two seasons have been played since the Panthers and Olli Jokinen went their (vastly) seperate ways.

The original draft-day deal involved the long-term Cat going to Phoenix for Nick Boynton, Keith Ballard, and a 2nd round pick in 2008 (Brandon defenseman and Call of Duty fan Colby Robak).

How'd it work out? The Coyotes, for whatever reason - though fair or not, this came up on awful lot - decided to go in the proverbial different direction only months later, sending the center and his 42 points (21g) in 57 games to Calgary in March of 2009.

He finally got his first taste of the playoffs, though squeezed between two unremarkable regular season stints; his career as a Flame ended after 75 games with 19 goals and 31 assists. Even more baffling was the lack of on-ice chemistry displayed between he and (now former) teammate Jarome Iginla; expectations were understandably high.

So it's off to Broadway for the Panthers' all-time leader in goals, assists, points, game winners, overtime goals, and shots (oh, and he's number two in PP goals...one behind Scott Mellanby). If nothing else, Jokinen's burgeoning relationship with Rangers coach John Tortorella should be fun to watch.

Olli used to illicit much emotion and debate among the fanbase and opinions ran the gamut from He's A Superstar! to He's Dogging It Again! Indisputable was his generous and second-to-none work ethic around the South Florida community; a tireless spokesman and boon to charities.

So why the apathy, Panthers fans? Has Jokinen-fatigue syndrome finally settled in?

Poll

At the right price - and role - would Jokinen make a solid addition to the Panthers (he's a UFA in July)?

Yes...in a limited capacity without any leadership burdens

47 votes

No...C'mon! That road is closed

51 votes

98 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 6 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Three Problems Led To This

Olli’s play has gone downhill for the follwing reason’s:
1) Mike Keenan left the organization, and Jacques Martin didn’t know how to coach him.

2) The western conference plays a different style and Olli is more suited for the east.

3) He has not been the same since the Richard Zednik injury. And for that, it is a shame. That accident, which was a terrible situation, that fortunately turned out ok, ruined him, and no one on the Panthers was able to help him through it. So instead of supporting him when he appeared to struggle, they (JM) tossed him under the bus.

Some of you may not agree with this assesment, but as one dimensional as he may have been just look at his stats before the injury, then look at them after. Geroge Richards has the total’s before and after. It’s quite apparent that he has probably lost his confidence as well.

by The Rat Trick on Feb 2, 2010 8:56 PM EST reply actions

Well, he apparently also tried to lead a revolt against JM which cost JM his coaching job, but it also led to a lot of resentment among the players and got him shipped out of town. I still think that’s part of why Horton was so bad last year.

Florida Panthers: Giving the league a punching bag since 2000.

by Johnny B on Feb 3, 2010 8:12 AM EST up reply actions

Olli used to illicit much emotion and debate among the fanbase and opinions ran the gamut from He’s A Superstar! to He’s Dogging It Again!

this describes quite well how people here feel about him too. i can think only few players (ruutu…) that causes that much so vastly diverse opinions.

Alexei Yagudin - the best there ever was and the best there ever will be

by sleza on Feb 3, 2010 9:01 AM EST reply actions

A Flames from afar believes Olli can redeem himself in the Eastern Conference.

We in Calgary had a lot of headaches with Olli, Sometimes he flourished here and sometimes you just wanted him out of the city. But when we heard that the deal with Olli had dropped and heard of the return we all were up in arms. Olli was going to be missed and he had said he wanted to resign in Calgary and finish his career here (Albeit it better have been for much less then is 5.25 now)

Now I think if he can make the rest of the season work in the Big Apple would a return to FLA work? How did you guys feel about him?

Somebody needs to turn down the heat in the Darryl Sutter's home.

by CofRed on Feb 3, 2010 4:14 PM EST reply actions

Doesn’t matter how we feel. He caused a rift in the locker room before he was shipped out. Bringing him back would be a mistake.

Florida Panthers: Giving the league a punching bag since 2000.

by Johnny B on Feb 4, 2010 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

That bridge has been burned and then rebuilt to be burned again

For every woman masturbating right now, there is a guy masturbating while imagining that woman masturbate.

2009 NY Phin PhansFantasy League Champion
2009 Best Regular Season Record in NYPPL.

by Patssuck456 on Feb 4, 2010 5:57 PM EST reply actions

Comments For This Post Are Closed

Search

Southeast Standings

	GP	W	L	OTL	PT
Washington Japers' Rink	82	54	15	13	121
Atlanta Bird Watchers Anonymous	82	35	34	13	83
Carolina Canes Country	82	35	37	10	80
Tampa Bay Raw Charge	82	34	36	12	80
Florida Litter Box Cats	82	32	37	13	77

(updated 4.12.2010 at 9:21 AM EDT)

Panthers Schedule

Next 5 Games

@ Edmonton The Copper & Blue	Sun 10/10	8:00 PM EDT
@ Vancouver Nucks Misconduct	Mon 10/11	10:00 PM EDT
@ Calgary Matchsticks and Gasoline	Thu 10/14	9:00 PM EDT
Tampa Bay Raw Charge	Sat 10/16	7:00 PM EDT
Dallas Defending Big D	Thu 10/21	7:30 PM EDT

Last 5 Games

Tampa Bay Raw Charge	Sun 04/11	L 1 - 3
@ Tampa Bay Raw Charge	Sat 04/10	SO - L 3 - 4
New Jersey In Lou We Trust	Thu 04/08	W 3 - 2
Ottawa Silver Seven	Tue 04/06	L 2 - 5
New York Rangers Blueshirt Banter	Sat 04/03	L 1 - 4

Litter Box Cats: An SB Nation Community

Network Bar

Litter Box Cats -