JOKINEN READIES AS CENTER ATTRACTION
Carolina
With a season that was less than impressive, offensive sniper Olli Jokinen has spent much of his summer in Helsinki and parts of southern Lapland in his cottage.
Jokinen, 27, has made himself front and center in Carolina as the newly acquired pivot will center one of the league’s newest big lines between Dany Heatley and Brian Gionta.
"It is setting up to be a very exciting year for us in Carolina," said Jokinen. "I have not spoken to any of the team yet and we have not held a practice so I am sort of up in the air as to who is who, but I will get familiar when camp opens."
Jokinen has spent a lot of time this summer with Canes prospects Lauri Tukonen and Lauri Korpikoski in Helskinki. Both prospects have felt the influence of Jokinen and spoke highly of their new tutor.
"Olli is sort of a hero here because he is one of the top Finnish players in the league," said Tukonen. “"He is probably the most skilled Finnish player at least and he has definitetly helped the two of us develop this summer. I hope that some day in the future, we can be a line and see what happens but right now, I am enjoying this time."
Jokinen has one year left on his deal and the hope in Carolina is that the talented centerman gives the club reason to sign him long term. That is especially true considering the Canes dealt highly touted young center Kyle Wellwood to acquire Jokinen.
With a season that was less than impressive, offensive sniper Olli Jokinen has spent much of his summer in Helsinki and parts of southern Lapland in his cottage.
Jokinen, 27, has made himself front and center in Carolina as the newly acquired pivot will center one of the league’s newest big lines between Dany Heatley and Brian Gionta.
"It is setting up to be a very exciting year for us in Carolina," said Jokinen. "I have not spoken to any of the team yet and we have not held a practice so I am sort of up in the air as to who is who, but I will get familiar when camp opens."
Jokinen has spent a lot of time this summer with Canes prospects Lauri Tukonen and Lauri Korpikoski in Helskinki. Both prospects have felt the influence of Jokinen and spoke highly of their new tutor.
"Olli is sort of a hero here because he is one of the top Finnish players in the league," said Tukonen. “"He is probably the most skilled Finnish player at least and he has definitetly helped the two of us develop this summer. I hope that some day in the future, we can be a line and see what happens but right now, I am enjoying this time."
Jokinen has one year left on his deal and the hope in Carolina is that the talented centerman gives the club reason to sign him long term. That is especially true considering the Canes dealt highly touted young center Kyle Wellwood to acquire Jokinen.
posted by Lohaus at 11:39 AM
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