Breaking News: Winnipeg Jets sign Olli Jokinen

As per Darren Dreger of TSN, the Winnipeg Jets have signed Olli Jokinen for a 2 year, $9 million deal.

Richard Pollock’s Analysis:

Jokinen immediately becomes the team’s number one center, as he has more offensive talent than Bryan Little.  Last season with the Calgary Flames he posted 23 goals and 61 points in 82 games.  Since 1999-00 he has never played less than 76 games in a single season.  Jokinen increases the size of the Jets up front and makes them more difficult to play against.  He is a shoot-first center who is strong along the boards and can distribute the puck, although not especially well.

Jets GM Kevin Chevledayoff Conference Call:

– Olli is someone we identified as a potential target in free agency. Looking to get a centreman, and we are excited to get him.

– Size, experience and consistency makes us a better and more difficult team to play against

– Very happy to have Olli as part of Jets family. His size is important. “Difficult to handle”. Not afraid to shoot the puck.

– Durable player over the years. Very excited about being at the forefront of a group that has young players and is able to grow.

– Jets looking to have a top 9 group of forwards not just a top 6.

– We will continue to stay active in FA. Have to get a back up goalie done. Jokinen is good in the faceoff circle.

– When you can upgrade at a position it is something you seriously have to consider.

– Team’s biggest need coming into FA was at centre–upgrading the skill set of the centremen. Attention turning to a backup goalie.

– This move was not reactionary to the team being quiet so far in free agency. It was an opportunity to upgrade and we took it.

– If teams were not able to upgrade in free agency, it’s likely the trade market may provide some assistance to teams