Predators President of Hockey Operations/GM David Poile announced today that the club has signed free-agent forward Olli Jokinen to a one-year, $2.5M contract.
“Olli Jokinen is a proven veteran center who will provide us with size, leadership and offensive ability in the tough Central Division and Western Conference,” Poile said. “He provides our coaching staff with more depth and options at the forward position and coach Laviolette believes he is a good fit for our style of play.”
Jokinen, 35, has amassed 740 points (317g-423a) and 1,043 penalty minutes in 1,169 NHL games with Los Angeles, the New York Islanders, Florida, Phoenix, Calgary (two stints), New York Rangers and Winnipeg since 1997. Appearing in all 82 games for the Jets in 2013-14, Jokinen amassed 18 goals, 43 points and 62 penalty minutes.
An NHL All-Star in 2003, Jokinen has served in a leadership role in eight of his last 11 seasons - as a captain in Florida from 2003-08 and most recently as an alternate captain the past three seasons in both Calgary and Winnipeg.
Los Angeles’ first selection, third overall (first round), in the 1997 Entry Draft also has extensive international experience highlighted by medals at three consecutive Olympic Games.
Via Press Release
