Olli Jokinen
Olli Jokinen was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft as the 3rd overall pick. He played parts of two seasons for the Kings after coming across from Europe, before he was dealt to the New York Islanders in a trade that brought Zigmund Palffy to Los Angeles. After one disappointing season in New York, Jokinen was dealt to the Florida Panthers. Since being on the Panthers, Jokinen has thrived with his career and has made a significant impact.
He has been the captain of the Florida Panthers since 2003 and broke the team record for most game-winning goals (at 24 goals) on October 21, 2006. The record was previously held by Pavel Bure. After a few slow seasons, he broke out in the 2002-03 NHL season, scoring 36 goals and 65 points and cementing his status as the Panthers first-line centre.
Jokinen is the bread and butter of the Florida Panthers, prone to offensive explosions. He has the ability to carry the whole team on his back, but at times he can be invisible and lost on an otherwise untalented roster. Even on a bad year, Jokinen will lead the Panthers in scoring and will continue to try to push an average team into the post-season and create some offense with his teammates.
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