Playing Career
Jokinen was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the 6th round, 192nd overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Jokinen spent his four seasons before his NHL debut playing for Kärpät of the SM-liiga, the top Finnish league.
In his rookie year in the 2005–06 NHL season, Jokinen gained a great reputation in the NHL as one of the best shootout specialists in the league. Until being stopped by Vesa Toskala he was a remarkable nine-for-nine in shootouts before his first unsuccessful attempt. He can be seen pulling some unique dekes, such as the one handed slide in goal (as made famous by Peter Forsberg) - also known as "The Paralyzer" - in shootouts.
On November 16, 2007, Jokinen scored four goals against the Colorado Avalanche in a 6-1 win.
During trade deadline day on February 26, 2008, Jussi Jokinen was dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning along with Mike Smith, Jeff Halpern, and a 2009 4th-round draft pick in exchange for Brad Richards and Johan Holmqvist.
On February 4, 2009, Jussi Jokinen was placed on waivers by the Lightning and later on February 7, 2009, was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Wade Brookbank, Josef Melichar and a 2009 fourth round draft pick. During the playoffs, he went on to score the latest regulation GWG in NHL playoff history. With 0.2 seconds left in the third period, Jokinen and the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-3 during game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on April 21, 2009.
On June 29, 2009, the Hurricanes signed Jokinen to a two-year contract worth $3.4 million ($1.5 million in 2009-10 and $1.9 million in 2010-11).
As of November 19, 2009, Jokinen has scored a total of 25 goals in 46 shootout attempts, with an impressive 54.3% success rate. Eight of those shootout goals were game-winners.
Jussi Jokinen signed with Karpat of the SM-liiga during the 2012 NHL lockout. He has committed to playing there until the resumption of the NHL season.
Read more about this topic: Jussi Jokinen
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