For Olli Jokinen, Nashville seemed to be the perfect fit for him. After meeting with new head coach, Peter Laviolette, he was excited about coming to Nashville, and playing in an offense first system. Jokinen said that he was ready to start playing the next day. Considering his excitement level, and the fact that he has a favorable contract (1-year, $2.5 million), this is a win-win for the Preds’ organization.
Must Reads
His deal added much needed depth at forward and the center position. Laviolette will now be able to work with 6-7 true centers (not including Mike Fisher), and a bevy of different line combination options. It will be interesting to see where Jokinen will land in his system. I anticipate that he will be on the 2nd or 3rd line. Jokinen still has great playmaking abilities, and looks to stay on track from last year.
He will definitely have some help in doing so this year. Playing along side fellow free agent signing, Derek Roy, and young talented players like Calle Jarnkrok and Filip Forsberg will help bolster his stats. Also, playing in an offense first system will help showcase his playmaking abilities. Expect him to have his ups and downs this year, just like anyone else. When he is having his downs, the organization needs to make sure to stock his locker with a Big Mac. Although he should try switching it up to a Frosty while he resides Smashville.
Best Case Scenario
Jokinen makes the most of his opportunity on either the 2nd or 3rd line, and is a productive player, improving from last year stats (18G-25A-43P) to score 50 points. He becomes a go-to option for coach Laviolette on the power play and in end of game scenarios, as a play maker. Behind the scenes, se takes on the role as mentor/leader, and helps develop our young talent and prospects. Gets put on the list for candidates for the Bill Masterton Trophy.
Worst Case Scenario
He doesn’t mesh with Laviolette at all, ends up not gelling with his line mates and becomes a healthy scratch throughout the season. Even worse, Jokinen ends up struggling to get to just 20 points this year becoming a pariah to the fans and the one player who seems like they don’t want to be here in the locker room.
Bold Prediction
He becomes a scoring machine and puts up 60 points (25G-35A).
Spirit Animal
An owl. Bird of integrity and mystery. Not quite sure what to expect from it. Always has an emotionless, docile facial expression. It’s really a no brainer.
How many times can OTF bloggers post hilarious Jokinen GIFS throughout the year?
| None. None more times. | 6 |
| Maybe a few more? | 15 |
| Infinity. | 101 |