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NHL Trade Rumors: Is Olli Jokinen On The Trade Block?

By Jeff Langridge

Dec 2, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Winnipeg Jets center Olli Jokinen (12)skates to the bench after his goal during the third period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Winnipeg Jets won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Winnipeg Jets center Olli Jokinen (12)skates to the bench after his goal during the third period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Winnipeg Jets won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s that time of year again. The time where Olli Jokinen rumors surround the NHL Trade Deadline. It seems to be such an annual occurrence that it’s never shocking to hear his name on Deadline Day.

However, The Fourth Period notes that this year, there is a catch. The team that he is on is actually in the playoff race. That could keep him from being moved this year, rather than the usual reason teams don’t want him, that being them having doubts about his play.

The Winnipeg Jets are only two points out of a playoff spot in the tough Western Conference. With that being only one win out the playoffs, the Jets could very well be buyers at the Trade Deadline. There will definitely be pressure to make the playoffs from their very loyal and loud fan base.

None of this was being talked about at the start of the season. Under Claude Noel, the Jets were going nowhere fast and it seemed they were destined to finish at the bottom of the NHL standings.

When Noel was fired and replaced by Paul Maurice, things changed. The Jets are now a team that is a threat to make the playoffs for the first time since the Jets returned to the NHL.

Jokinen has accumulated 13 goals and 19 assists for a total of 32 points in 60 games. Not great totals, but that is the type of offense that the Jets need from him. Another sign of his game this season is that he was chosen to take part in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics by his home country of Finland.

If the Jets can manage to keep the momentum they had before the break leading up to March 5, then Jokinen will probably not be dealt. If they fall out of the playoff race, all bets are off.

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