Coyotes Acquire Jokinen From Panthers for Ballard, Boynton and Second Round Pick

[Humpzilla]

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have acquired center Olli Jokinen from the Florida Panthers in exchange for defensemen Keith Ballard and Nick Boynton and a second round pick (49th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Jokinen, 29, recorded 34-37-71 and 67 penalty minutes (PIM) in 82 games played with the Panthers last season. He led the team in goals (34), assists (37), points (71), power play goals (18) and shots (341). He also ranked 3rd in the NHL in power play goals (18) and shots (341).

Jokinen, who appeared in 567 career games with Florida, is the franchise’s all-time leader in goals (188), assists (231), points (419), game-winning goals (36) and shots (1,841). A native of Kuopio, Finland, Jokinen spent four seasons as captain of the Panthers.

In 2006-07, he registered career-highs in goals (39), assists (52) and points (91) to rank 14th in the NHL in scoring and was one of only three NHL players to record three hat tricks during the season. Jokinen represented Florida at the 2003 NHL All-Star Game.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Jokinen was acquired by Florida on June 24, 2000 and was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Kings with the third overall pick in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. In 723 career NHL games with the Kings, Islanders and Panthers, Jokinen has recorded 208-253-461.

Jokinen has represented Finland in international competition numerous times, including the 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics.

Ballard, 25, recorded 6-15-21 and 85 PIM in 82 games with the Coyotes last season. In 233 career games with the Coyotes, Ballard registered 19-68-87 and 243 PIM. Ballard was acquired by Phoenix in a trade with Colorado on July 3, 2003.

Boynton, 29, recorded 3-9-12 and 125 PIM in 79 games with the Coyotes this season. Boynton was acquired by Phoenix in a trade with Boston on June 26, 2006. In 437 career NHL games with the Bruins and Coyotes, he has recorded 27-80-107 and 660 PIM. In two seasons with Phoenix, Boynton collected 5-18-23 and 263 PIM in 138 games.

[gauros]

And the 49th overall pick

[R.Middleton]

Hahahahaha! Yeah Baby! Too bad about Boynton, now we definitely need toughness. Yeehaw

[ScottRasner]

Man I hate to see Ballard go but wow we have a strong offense!

Originally Posted by WildyCoyote34

Hahahahaha! Yeah Baby! Too bad about Boynton, now we definitely need toughness. Yeehaw

Man oh man Wild I am coming un glues over here!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bupz91]

good trade for both. Jokinen's a good leader, and he will drop them.

[R.Middleton]

Originally Posted by ScottRasner

Man oh man Wild I am coming un glues over here!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a ****in steal for us! They must really wanted Ballard.

Yes!

[nyislesfan45]

Phx def needs some toughness now but definetly a good deal for them.

[ScottRasner]

I cant hardly sit in my office anymore what a fukking pick up!!!!!! who replaces ballard now?

[Snipes19]

Wow!

This is a ****ing FANTASTIC deal for the 'Yotes. Great trade by Phoenix.

Jokinen is a very good 1st-line center. He's big and can score a lot of points, and should fit well into that Phoenix offense along with Doan, Mueller, and Turris. Jokinen will help them a lot.

It doesn't seem like Phoenix even gave up all that much either. Boynton, Ballard, and a 2nd-rounder? Not a ton at all. It hurts a little to give up Ballard, but they should be fine without Boynton and that 2nd. Plus, Jokinen is a great player.

It just seems like Florida should have gotten more, IMO. I really like this trade for the Coyotes.

I will say this too - keep an eye on Phoenix next year. With Bryzgalov in net, and then Doan, Jokinen, and some good young guys like Mueller and Turris on offense - they could be pretty good in 08-09. Now all they need is some toughness, but their roster is looking pretty good. They will definitely be competitive next season, IMO.

Solid move here, no doubt.

[R.Middleton]

Originally Posted by ScottRasner

I cant hardly sit in my office anymore what a fukking pick up!!!!!! who replaces ballard now?

Let's see here

Jones may replace one. I'm betting one of our great propects Ross will replace Ballard. Maybe Stephenson.

We are freakin ripped. Now all we need is toughness and we're good!

[nyislesfan45]

Maybe Peter Vandermeer plays D next year? haha Just wishful thinking.

[pds888]

I'm going nuts yes this was such a great pickup!!! When I heard the deal my jaw just dropped sucks about Bally and Boynton liked both but im very excited.

[Podollan]

Its good for Florida's Toughness-
Ballard is a young good Defender,
Boynton a good team guy who makes the team tough and he can play too,
but now they are will be missing their First Line Center-

But for the Fans they have at least a good team toughness now with guys like Allen, Boyton, Ballard and Belak as the heavy.

[Cat Smasher]

This is HUGE for Pheonix. Shoud fit in PERFECTLY! Jokinen and Doan on the same line is a pretty good idea.

[FlyersEnforcer]

Seems like a pretty even trade.