Calgary Flames' Olli Jokinen, from Finland, talks to reporters following his end-of-season medical in Calgary, Alta., Monday, April 9, 2012. The Jets have signed Jokinen to a two-year deal worth a reported US$9 million. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
July 02, 2012 - 9:43 PM
WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Jets have signed Olli Jokinen to a two-year deal worth a reported US$9 million.
Winnipeg added the veteran Finnish centre Monday on the second day of NHL free agency.
It's a substantial pay increase for the 33-year-old who decided to test free agency after parting ways with the Calgary Flames. He made $3 million last season in Calgary, where he had strong year with 23 goals and 61 points.
Jokinen has played with the L.A. Kings, New York Islanders, Florida, Phoenix, and the New York Rangers, where he was traded to by the Flames during the 2009-2010 season.
Calgary brought Jokinen back the next season and he finished with 17 goals and 54 points.
The move represents Winnipeg's biggest signing since free agency opened on Sunday, when they inked forward Alexei Ponikarovsky and defenceman Derek Meech.
Jokinen has scored 20 or more goals in seven of his 14 NHL seasons.
Earlier Monday, the Flames filled the hole left by Jokinen's departure by signing centre Jiri Hudler to a $16-million, four-year deal.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012