"Olli is an important player in the history of the Panthers franchise and he remains a fan favorite," said Tallon. "We are proud to give Olli the opportunity to retire as a Panther and we congratulate him on a long, successful and productive National Hockey League career."
"My heart has always been with the Panthers organization and now I feel like my career has come full circle," said Jokinen. "I am extremely grateful that I had the chance to play hockey in South Florida and help the sport grow. I want to thank my family - my wife Katerina and my daughters Alexandra, Emma and Keira - and all of the fans, teammates, coaches and staff who have supported me throughout my career."
Jokinen and Tallon will meet today at the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs, Fla., to sign the honorary contract at 1PM (ET). In Florida's 7:30 P.M., game tonight against the New York Rangers, the Panthers will honor Jokinen's legacy and accomplishments during the second period.
Jokinen, 38, played seven seasons for the Panthers (2000-08) and served as captain for four seasons (2003-2008). Over 567 games played in a Panthers uniform, the native of Kuopio, Finland produced a franchise record 419 points (188-231-419). In franchise history, Jokinen ranks first in points, goals, game-winning goals (36), overtime goals (10), power play points (153) and shots (1,837) and ranks second in assists and power play goals (65).
In the 2006-07 season, Jokinen became only the second Panther in franchise history to record 90 points in a season, registering 91 points (39-52-91) in 82 games. In that season, Jokinen ranked 10th in goals and points among all Eastern Conference skaters. In Florida's first time hosting the NHL All-Star Game in 2003, Jokinen represented the Panthers.
Originally selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round (third overall) of the 1997 NHL Draft, Jokinen was acquired by the Panthers along with goaltender Roberto Luongo from the New York Islanders on June 24, 2000 in exchange for forwards Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha.
A veteran of 1,231 NHL games, Jokinen recorded 750 points over his career with the St. Louis Blues (2015), Toronto Maple Leafs (2015), Nashville Predators (2014-15), Winnipeg Jets (2012-14), Calgary Flames (2010-12 & 2009-10), New York Rangers (2010), Phoenix Coyotes (2008-09), Panthers (2000-08), New York Islanders (1999-00) and Los Angeles Kings (1997-99).
Among Finnish NHL players, Jokinen ranks third all-time in goals, fourth all-time in points and sixth all-time in assists.
The Florida Panthers continue their three-game homestand against the New York Rangers tonight (7:30 P.M). Join our house or renew your 2017-18 season tickets by Friday, March 24 and receive 3% of your investment back in Cats Ca$h and priority for 2017 Stanley Cup Playoff tickets. Join Our House at
FloridaPanthers.com/OurHouse.
