Long-time NHL forward Jussi Jokinen has decided to call it a career, telling NHL.com’s Varpu Sihvonen that he is hanging up his skates at the age of 38. Jokinen played in 951 career NHL games over parts of 13 seasons with nine different teams, picking up 191 goals and 372 assists. After spending a year in Switzerland, he returned home to play in Karpat where he spent the last two seasons. His production dipped this season as he picked up just nine goals in 51 games which helped lead to his decision as he felt that he is no longer able to play at a high enough level to contribute as much as he wants to. Jokinen didn’t win a Stanley Cup in the NHL but picked up five medals internationally, two at the Olympics and three at the World Championships.
More from the international game:
- Jokinen wasn’t the only veteran announcing his retirement as Derek Roy did the same today via a post on his Instagram page. The center spent most of his 11-year career with Buffalo and suited up in 738 career games, notching 189 goals and 335 assists. Roy last saw NHL action in 2015 before embarking on a four-country tour over the past six seasons which ended with EHC Munchen where he had four goals and five helpers in just 12 games in 2020-21.
- CSKA Moscow of the KHL announced (Twitter link) that they have released defenseman Dmitri Samorukov, paving the way for him to return to the Oilers for next season. The 21-year-old spent last season with AHL Bakersfield but the uncertainty around the pandemic led him to stay in Russia for this season where he managed two goals and six assists in 48 games. While he’s eligible to play in the playoffs with Edmonton, he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury so that won’t be happening.
- Avalanche prospect Nikolai Kovalenko told Championnat’s Alexander Kozhevnikov that he is leaving Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the KHL due to unhappiness over his role. The 2018 sixth-rounder had a limited role this season but still managed to notch five goals and six assists in 41 games. The winger indicated that there are a couple of options he’s currently considering – signing with Colorado and coming to North America or staying in Russia and joining Ak Bars Kazan. As Kovalenko was drafted out of Russia, his NHL rights will be held indefinitely.