Jussi Jokinen signs PTO with the Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings are bringing in veteran forward Jussi Jokinen on a personal try-out.

Jussi Jokinen a  journeyman forward the Detroit Red Wings are signing to a PTO to have a look at. Calling Jussi a journeyman is putting it mildly.  Jokinen, the 35 year-old forward has played for nine teams throughout his career.  Jokinen played for four teams last season alone.

Jokinen played for the Blue Jackets, Canucks, Kings and Oilers last season.  Jokinen was involved in the Thomas Vanek deal last season that sent Vanek to the Columbus Blue Jackets.  The Jackets sent Jokinen and former Michigan Wolverine Tyler Motte to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Vanek.

We certainly hope Ken Holland finds a way to receive a better deal for Thomas Vanek this season than the Vancouver Canucks did last season.  Tyler Motte has yet to find his way in the NHL.  Motte looks to be a career AHL forward.  Jussi Jokinen at 35, is bouncing around trying to cling to any team that will give him a look.

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Jokinen now is only a 4th line speedy winger with limited offensive ability.  Jussi can work on the PK.  If things are really bleak he is able to work with an NHL second team PP, but that would be a stretch these days.

I can not imagine Jussi Jokinen making the Detroit Red Wings, but this is a Ken Holland type of transaction.  Ken Holland would probably consider bringing in Olli Jokinen if he could.  Ken Holland loves to bring in aged veterans even when their needle is on empty.  David Booth most recently and now Jokinen.

I have no idea if Jokinen would be interested in playing in the AHL at 35 years old but that is the only way I can see Jussi sticking with the Detroit Red Wings organization.

Jokinen during his four team stint last season played in 60 games.  Jussi notched 5 goals and 17 points.  Jokinen was originally a sixth-round pick by the Dallas Stars in the 2001 NHL Entry Level Draft.

Per CBS Sports;

The Finn will try and stick with a Wings team that could have room for a veteran forward, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Jokinen doesn’t end up with a contract. Detroit is rebuilding, so it may prefer giving a spot to a young player.

The Vancouver Canucks seemed to enjoy Jokinen during his short stint with them.  Jokinen along with the Sedin twins really helped the young Canucks players craft their game down the stretch.

Again, we do not see Jokinen making this Detroit Red Wings roster.  It’s a standard practice to bring these veteran players in on PTO’s.  I just hope Holland doesn’t get attached to another 35-year-old forward.

That being said, if he indeed is interested in starting the season out for the Grand Rapids Griffins, he could provide endless knowledge to the young Griffins who are looking to become Red Wings in the near future.