Nashville, TN (SportsNetwork.com) - The Nashville Predators took their first jump into the free-agent pool during Wednesday's second day of the signing period, inking veteran center Olli Jokinen to a one-year, $2.5 million contract.
A 16-year veteran who has totaled 317 career goals, Jokinen scored 18 times and added 25 assists while playing in all 82 games for the Winnipeg Jets last season.
The 35-year-old has scored 34 goals or more four times during his career, all coming over a five-season stretch with the Florida Panthers from 2002-08.
"Olli Jokinen is a proven veteran center who will provide us with size, leadership and offensive ability in the tough Central Division and Western Conference," said Predators general manager David Poile. "He provides our coaching staff with more depth and options at the forward position and coach [Peter] Laviolette believes he is a good fit for our style of play."
Jokinen also has amassed 740 points and 1,043 penalty minutes over 1,169 games with seven different teams (Los Angeles, New York Islanders, Florida, Phoenix, Calgary, New York Rangers, Winnipeg).
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