Nice writeup on his season. Lets see how he does this year where he will probably see most of his ice time on the 3rd and 4th lines as Tallon will probably fill out the team with youth, a trade, and maybe a value priced UFA.
I think someone on the board called him a "useless piece of meat." I'm not in that camp, but Jokinen will disappear some seasons depending on whether he feels appreciated by the coach. You have to look no further than Carolina where he fell out of favor and was waived after his effort level spiraled following a few nice seasons. After he landed on a talented Pittsburgh team he was able to get things going again. I would say his work ethic this year was average until the last 10 games of the season when he notched up his intensity to try and help the Cats get in the playoffs.
I think this coming season we will see a ROI based on how Gallant uses him. If he starts slow like last season, he will bounce between the 3rd and 4th lines and probably be scratched on occasion. The key for him contributing will be to get off to a solid start and get his confidence up. If that doesn't happen, I think he is in for a long boring season. With the length and size of his contract, I have to believe he is untradeable even if Tallon offers to take part of it back. He could be a buyout candidate after next season should he fail to produce.
