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Florida Panthers: Jussi Jokinen Is Declining Quickly

By Daniel Janicas

Dec 13, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Florida Panthers forward Jussi Jokinen (36) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Panthers 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Florida Panthers forward Jussi Jokinen (36) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Panthers 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jussi Jokinen is currently 34 years of age and is starting to decline in front of our eyes. Next season will be a good indication on whether the Cats should keep Jussi or let him go.

Jokinen had a “down year” last season only putting up 11G, 17A, and 28 points. That’s a 32 point difference from what he had put up the season before (2015-16, 60 points). All questions will be asked about whether Jussi should remain on this team or if he should be traded. Jussi is currently playing on the 2nd line (with Reilly Smith and Vincent Trocheck) and fills an important role as the second left winger.

Jussi is known for having an eye for goal (in the past), and certainly being able to pile up the assists (as seen in the past as well). Heck, Jokinen tallied 42 assists during the 2015-16 season. This year that just finished, Jussi only recorded 17 assists. Between the two figures, that’s a 25 assist difference between the two years. Not good on Jussi’s part.

There is also a point to be made about Jokinen’s speed. He just can’t keep up with the play. He’s too slow. It’s true. Jussi has regressed when it’s come to his speed. But to also point out, Jokinen was never the fastest of players either. Jussi has always been a positional player, who hangs high in the slot waiting for the pass. That’s where the majority of Jokinen’s goals come from.

Jussi boasted a respectable CF% of 53.21% throughout the 2016-17 NHL season. However, it’s not as impressive as you think it really is. What concerns me more is the difference between Jokinen’s GF60 (Goals for per 60 minutes) and his GA60. Jussi had a GF60 of 1.78, but had a GA60 of 2.73. This means that per 60 min Jussi is on the ice, he allows more goals than his line scores, as per the figures above. It’s clear that when Jussi is on the ice, he is a defensive liability.

Next: Florida Panthers: Colton Sceviour Proves To Be A Good Fit

Regarding next season, it will be critical for Jussi to elevate his game. Especially from the disappointing campaign he had last season (28 points in 69 games). It will be key for Jokinen to increase his speed and to start keeping up with both the play and his line mates. Jussi needs to be one step above the play and not one step behind. Time will certainly tell with Jokinen and what his future holds with the Cats. At age 34, it’s unlikely that Jussi stays another 2 years considering how much he has declined. If he doesn’t pick up his game and production, expect a trade to be made where Jussi will be on the end of it.

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