AP We hesitate to say Olli Jokinen has played his last game in a Flames uniform, since he’s kind of like the cat that keeps coming back to Calgary. (Except the cat is a 33-year-old Finnish forward.)
Regardless, Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun is reporting Jokinen will become a free agent on July 1 and is expected to find a new team.
Jokinen is coming off a two-year, $6 million deal, but should get a raise in the wake of a 61-point season on an offensively challenged club.
For the Flames, Jokinen’s departure leaves them markedly thin at center. Mike Cammalleri can play the middle, but the team’s preference is to have him as a winger. After that, it’s much-maligned Matt Stajan and nearing-bust-status Mikael Backlund on the depth chart.
Hey, maybe GM Jay Feaster can trade Jay Bouwmeester for a center.
Related: UFA spotlight — Olli Jokinen
-
“Corey has been great for us all year, all playoffs.”
-
Getty Images
It boils down to mistakes of all kinds.
-
Getty Images
What a difference one goal makes.
-
Leddy benched, not hurt, as Chicago rolled five defensemen
Jun 20, 2013, 12:37 AM EDT
Getty Images
He played less than three minutes in Game 4.
-
“If he sees the puck, he’s going to be almost impossible to beat.”
-
His middle name isn’t “Game Over.” We checked.
-
Getty Images
It’s now 2-2 after an exciting 6-5 thriller.
-
Getty Images
The Bruins won’t give up.
-
Video: Bruins, Hawks combine for five goals in 11 minutes during wild second period
Jun 19, 2013, 10:19 PM EDT
Getty Images
… And there were plenty of other close calls.
-
Getty Images
Vancouver Canucks would appreciate the cap space.
-
Getty Images
Michal Handzus scores first, Rich Peverley ties it.
-
Getty Images
The money part has been settled, according to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.
-
Getty Images
In case you were worrying about another late scratch.
-
Getty Images
The Swede wasn’t getting benched during playoff games, for one.
-
Getty Images
Tough timing for free agent Mason Raymond.
-
Getty Images
37-year-old ‘tender ready to call it a career.
-
Nonis says compliance buyout a ‘distinct possibility’ for Leafs
Jun 19, 2013, 5:19 PM EDT
Getty Images
That’s a picture of Mike Komisarek.
-
Pittsburgh’s Dan Bylsma considered to be a favorite for the position.
-
Apparently Glen Sather and Mike Gillis don’t see the game evolving the same way
Jun 19, 2013, 4:44 PM EDT
Getty Images
Which could be why they end up swapping coaches.
-
NHL to implement hybrid icing next season if trial period goes well
Jun 19, 2013, 3:20 PM EDT
The players’ union and Board of Governors will vote near the end of the exhibition campaign.
