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?
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 |
| No…C’mon! That road is closed | 51 |