TSN is reporting that the rumored deal to send Olli Jokinen from the Phoenix Coyotes to the Calgary Flames has indeed been completed. Jokinen and a 3rd pick have been traded to the Calgary Flames for speedy center Matthew Lombardi, tough guy Brandon Prust, and a 1st round draft pick.
Though the price may seem steep for Jokinen, especially considering he is making $5.2 million and has a disappointing 21 goals this season, it elevates Calgary from a Stanley Cup pretender to a bona fide Stanley Cup contender. Jokinen has proven in the past that he can be a dominant power forward with great hands and a nose for the net. With Jarome Iginla, Mike Cammalleri, Todd Bertuzzi, Daymond Langkow, and now Jokinen Calgary has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to big-bodied goal scoring forwards. This core will be an absolute nightmare for opposing defenders in a 7 game playoff series.
So, at least one significant deal will occur on today’s NHL trade deadline, and hopefully we will see a few more, or NHL trade deadline day might wind up as NHL trade deadline dud.