A new player!
The Blue Jackets claimed Jussi Jokinen off waivers earlier today, a move that gives them depth in their top nine and a guy who can log ice time in a variety of situations. He's damn good in the shootout, too.
Let's get to know the newest Blue Jacket with some fast facts that encompass a 13-year career in the NHL.
Where’s he from?
Finland, originally. Since being drafted by Dallas in 2001, he's suited up for seven different NHL teams over his 13-year NHL career: Dallas, Tampa Bay, Carolina, Pittsburgh, Florida, Edmonton and Los Angeles. Columbus marks his eighth stop.
Will he add offense?
He could! The 34-year-old Finn has an impressive career stat line – 923 games played, 187 goals, 365 assists and 552 points. That’s roughly 50-point pace per 82 games. He's slowed down a bit over the last two years – a mix of injuries, inconsistency and being on bad teams – but the Jackets could be the right fit that gives him a jolt.
What are his strengths?
Versatility and a sky-high hockey IQ. Jokinen's a Swiss army knife out on the ice. Since 2014-15, he’s averaged 1:48 of shorthanded time and 2:25 of power play time per game. Just five players league-wide have more power play AND penalty kill time per game over that span: Ryan Kesler, Ryan O’Reilly, Patrice Bergeron, Anze Kopitar and Frans Nielsen.
Can he help the Jackets’ center problem?
Although he’s primarily played wing over the last few years, he’s played plenty of center at the NHL level. He’s also a strong face-off guy, with a career percentage of 53.8 percent. That makes him one of the 20 or so best face-off guys since he came into the league.
Is there a CBJ connection here?
Jokinen was on the ice during the first ever playoff win for the Blue Jackets – as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He skated on Evgeni Malkin’s wing during that series, and had one hell of a playoffs that year, with seven goals and 10 points in 13 games.
What does he have left in the tank?
Well, he was a beast for the Florida Panthers just a couple of years ago, putting up a line of 18-42-60 while playing second-line minutes and killing penalties. He’s 34, and certainly not a burner, but a strong hockey IQ can keep players in the league for a long time.
Is there a weird pop culture connection?
Not directly, but his name (Jussi J.) is really close to rapper Juicy J. Also of note, he’s almost exclusively worn 36 in his NHL career – the same numbers as Juicy J’s old group, Three 6 Mafia.
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