It was announced this morning that the Edmonton Oilers have signed Jussi Jokinen to a one-year contract worth $1.1 million.

Peter Chiarelli added a little bit of depth to the wings as he brought in 12-year veteran, Jussi Jokinen, on a low-risk, short-term deal. For one year at $1.1 million, Jokinen should provide some cheap scoring and internal competition that will push some of the younger forwards to earn their ice time. At 34-years-old, Jokinen is also on the back-nine of his NHL career and the Oilers should be getting a player that is hungry to stay in the league.

In the very least, Jokinen should be able to chip in with the same rate of secondary offence as Benoit Pouliot did for a fraction of the price and, at best, he could be another 15-20 goal man on the roster. That said, you never really know what you’re going to get from Jussi Jokinen in terms of production or health so this signing could turn out to be a massive bargain or an “at least we tried” type of deal at worst. He’s only two years removed from an 18-goal season and he should get the opportunity to play with a talented centreman regardless of which line he’s on and that could mean a bump in his numbers.

Over the last four seasons, Jokinen missed only 16 games which is basically the healthiest run he’s ever had in his NHL career. As long as he can keep himself healthy, I don’t see any downside from this pickup and the upside is obviously that he could be a great value add if he can get back into the 30-40 point range. All in all, this is a smart gamble for Chiarelli to take and one that makes the Oilers better today than they were yesterday. Besides, someone had to replace Matty Hendricks’ “paralyzer” success in the shootout.

REACTION

Good deal to get Jokinen for one year at $1.1 million. Not to mention, it replenishes our long ignored Jussi quota. #oilers

— Swagmilk (@jsbmbaggedmilk) July 7, 2017

Jokinen had 57,44 and 60-point seasons between 2014-2016. Dipped to 28 last year. One year at $1.1 mill a good bet by Chiarelli. #Oilers

— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) July 7, 2017

Jussi Jokinen's PDO was 96.8

249/262 forwards with at least 750 mins played last year. Pretty sure he's due for a bounce back there

— Matt Henderson (@Archaeologuy) July 7, 2017

This is an excellent decision. Versatile player who will act as insurance for young wingers. https://t.co/sDi6fSWYKi

— Jonathan Willis (@JonathanWillis) July 7, 2017

I see Jokinen sliding into the role Pouliot wound up in. Depth LW, PK guy. Hopefully will be more consistent with some offence.

— Reid Wilkins (@ReidWilkins) July 7, 2017

Oilers have some inexperienced wingers, Jokinen creates some competition for offensive minutes. Bit suprised, I thought they were done.

— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) July 7, 2017

JUSSI JOKINEN’S CAREER SO FAR

	Regular Season	Playoffs
Season	Team	Lge	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	+/-	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2005-06	Dallas Stars	NHL	81	17	38	55	30	2	5	2	1	3	0
2006-07	Dallas Stars	NHL	82	14	34	48	18	8	4	0	1	1	0
2007-08	Dallas Stars	NHL	52	14	14	28	14	2	—	—	—	—	—
2007-08	Tampa Bay Lightning	NHL	20	2	12	14	4	-16	—	—	—	—	—
2008-09	Tampa Bay Lightning	NHL	46	6	10	16	16	-8	—	—	—	—	—
2008-09	Carolina Hurricanes	NHL	25	1	10	11	12	-2	18	7	4	11	2
2009-10	Carolina Hurricanes	NHL	81	30	35	65	36	3	—	—	—	—	—
2010-11	Carolina Hurricanes	NHL	70	19	33	52	24	3	—	—	—	—	—
2011-12	Carolina Hurricanes	NHL	79	12	34	46	54	-2	—	—	—	—	—
2012-13	Karpat	SM-liiga	21	7	14	21	10	3	—	—	—	—	—
2012-13	Carolina Hurricanes	NHL	33	6	5	11	18	-8	—	—	—	—	—
2012-13	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL	10	7	4	11	6	3	8	0	3	3	4
2013-14	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL	81	21	36	57	18	12	13	7	3	10	10
2014-15	Florida Panthers	NHL	81	8	36	44	34	-2	—	—	—	—	—
2015-16	Florida Panthers	NHL	81	18	42	60	42	25	6	1	3	4	4
2016-17	Florida Panthers	NHL	69	11	17	28	39	-15	—	—	—	—	—
	NHL Totals		891	186	360	546	365		54	17	15	32	20

REACTION

JUSSI JOKINEN’S CAREER SO FAR

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