Jussi Jokinen
Finnish forward known as a shootout and faceoff specialist.
Jussi Petteri Jokinen is a Finnish former professional ice hockey forward who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for ten teams over 14 seasons. He was widely considered a shootout and faceoff specialist during his NHL career.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 1983-04-01
- Birth Place
- Kalajoki, Finland
- Height Ft
- 6
- Height In
- 0
- Weight Lb
- 192
- Position
- Centre/Left wing
- Shoots
- Left
- Ntl Team
- FIN
- Draft
- 192nd overall
- Draft Year
- 2001
- Draft Team
- Dallas Stars
- Career End
- 2021
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Jokinen began his professional career in Finland with Oulun Kärpät of the Liiga before being drafted by the Dallas Stars in 2001. He made his NHL debut in 2005–06 and quickly gained a reputation as a top shootout specialist, going nine-for-nine in shootouts before his first unsuccessful attempt. In 2007, he scored four goals in a single game against the Colorado Avalanche.
At the 2008 trade deadline, Jokinen was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning as part of a multi-player deal. He finished that season with 16 goals and 42 points. The following year, he was placed on waivers by the Lightning and then traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. During the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs, he scored the latest regulation game-winning goal in NHL playoff history, with 0.2 seconds remaining in Game 4 against the New Jersey Devils.
Jokinen later played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he scored his first NHL hat-trick against his former team, the Carolina Hurricanes, and recorded 21 goals and 57 points in 81 games. He signed a four-year contract with the Florida Panthers as a free agent in 2014, and during his second season there posted 18 goals and 60 points. After being bought out by the Panthers, he played for the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Vancouver Canucks in the 2017–18 season, becoming the fourth player in NHL history to play for four different teams in a single season.
Reader's Guide
Jussi Jokinen's significance lies in his specialized skills as a shootout and faceoff specialist, which made him a valuable asset across multiple NHL teams. His 54.3% success rate in shootouts, including eight game-winners, underscored his reputation in high-pressure situations. His playoff moment with the Carolina Hurricanes—scoring a game-winning goal with 0.2 seconds left in regulation—remains a notable achievement in NHL postseason history.
Jokinen's career also illustrates the modern journeyman player's path: he was traded or moved frequently, yet consistently contributed offensively. His ability to adapt to different systems and teammates allowed him to play for ten NHL organizations. Internationally, he represented Finland in multiple tournaments, winning silver at the 2006 Winter Olympics and bronze in 2014, as well as silver at the 2016 IIHF World Championship.
After returning to Europe, Jokinen played in Switzerland and then back with his original Finnish club, Oulun Kärpät, before retiring in 2021 after a 20-season professional career. His legacy includes being part of an exclusive group of players to score a point with each of four different NHL teams in a single season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jussi Jokinen?
Jussi Petteri Jokinen is a Finnish former NHL forward born on April 1, 1983, who suited up for ten different teams over 14 seasons. He entered the league after being selected 192nd overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2001 draft.
What was Jussi Jokinen's main role on the ice?
He was widely recognized as a shootout and faceoff specialist, a niche skill set that kept him employed across multiple rosters. Coaches valued his reliability in those specific high-pressure situations more than his overall offensive output.
How long did Jussi Jokinen play for the Tampa Bay Lightning?
Tampa Bay was one of ten NHL franchises he wore a jersey for between the 2005–06 and 2017–18 seasons. His Lightning stint was part of a journeyman path that also included stops in Dallas, Carolina, Pittsburgh, Florida, Edmonton, Los Angeles, Columbus, and Vancouver.
What international medals did Jussi Jokinen win?
Representing Finland, he earned a silver medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics and a bronze at the 2014 Winter Olympics. He also picked up a silver medal at the 2016 IIHF World Championship.
Why do Lightning fans remember Jussi Jokinen?
He filled the important but unsung role of a dependable faceoff and shootout specialist, a player coaches could trust in clutch moments. His steady, low-profile contributions made him a familiar depth-chart presence during his time in Tampa Bay.
More in Tampa Bay Lightning Players 1-24
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