Blue Jackets Claim Jussi Jokinen
Veteran forward makes Columbus his third stop this season
The Columbus Blue Jackets have claimed forward Jussi Jokinen off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings, according to BlueJackets.com’s Brian Hedger.
The 34-year-old has played 32 games between the Edmonton Oilers (14) and Los Angeles (18), posting one goal and five assists over this season, mostly for the Kings. He averaged 11:15 in LA and has played center in the past, boasting a career 53.8 percent faceoff percentage.
According to Hedger, he carries a $1.1 million cap hit, most of which has already been paid by his other two clubs this season. Jokinen’s best season came in 2009-10, when he scored 30 goals and 65 points for Carolina. He played for Florida from 2014 through last season and Blue Jackets fans may remember him picking up three goals and two assists in Pittsburgh’s 2014 playoff series win against Columbus.
So, Jarmo picks up a fellow Finn from the bargain basement. Seems like a low-cost, low-risk move to perhaps give the flagging offense a shot in the arm. What do you think?