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Post by Wolfpack on Jun 20, 2008 18:54:23 GMT -5
The Florida Panthers have traded captain Olli Jokinen to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for defensemen Keith Ballard, Nick Boynton and the 49th overall pick. The move had been long rumoured as there have been several reports out of Florida that Jokinen and general manager Jacques Martin have had a strained relationship in the past. This past year Jokinen scored 34 goals and 37 assists while playing in all 82 games. After seven seasons with the organization, four as team captain, Jokinen leaves the Panthers as the leading goal and point scorer in franchise history. Jokinen was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Kings third overall in the 1997 entry draft. Jokinen was then sent to the New York Islanders in exchange for Ziggy Palffy. In the summer of 2000, the 28-year old native of Finland was sent to Florida as part of the Roberto Luongo trade. Jokinen has two years left on his contract following this season that will pay him another $10.5 million. The 26-year old Ballard had 6 goals and 15 assists and posted a +7 rating while playing in all 82 games for the Coyotes last season while the 29-year old Boynton had three goals and nine assists in 79 games. www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241251&lid=sublink02&lpos=topRelated_main
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Post by Wolfpack on Jun 20, 2008 19:04:59 GMT -5
With this move, Phoenix has quietly put together a pretty nice team. Maybe the playoffs next year?
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Post by Shredded Red on Jun 20, 2008 23:10:28 GMT -5
Definitely the playoffs next year. This may be the best group of players Jokinen has had to play with as well. Phoenix is young and fast, and now they've got a veteran leader to go with it. Good move by Phoenix.
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Chiro
Second Liner
Experience the Evolution
Posts: 475
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Post by Chiro on Jun 21, 2008 11:08:54 GMT -5
Couple Jokinen with their existing veterans like Doan and Morris and I feel this team is actually going to make some more noise than just making the playoffs. They'll need to shore up their D after the Jokinen deal, but they've got some really nice pieces now.
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Post by kingsfan24 on Jun 21, 2008 14:47:57 GMT -5
This trade concerns me the most because the pacific division just keeps getting ridiculous but i'll enjoy all the talent coming in and out of Staples Center when i catch a few games. Now i thought Phoenix wa gonna sneak up and snag Hossa but obviously this deals works for them. Obviously Maloney has a good job turning around this franchise. Like Chiro said, now Coyotes need to recover the hit they took on defense. I know Yandle will be one of the permanent replacements but still got another hole to fill. Wouldn't surprise me if they try and sign a decent 1 year deal w/ a veteran to patch the hole for a year.
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