Tampa Bay placed winger Jussi Jokinen on waivers Friday, hours before the holiday roster freeze went into effect. Jokinen has until noon today to be claimed by another team.
The Lightning tried to trade Jokinen, who is making $1.875 million this year in the final year of a two-year contract that will make him a restricted free agent, during the summer and training camp but didn't find any takers. In training camp, however, Jokinen stood out when he was moved to center and earned a roster spot.
Tampa Bay general manager Brian Lawton said Friday he has received a couple of phone calls from teams asking about Jokinen once he was placed on waivers. Lawton also said Jokinen will not necessarily be reassigned to AHL Norfolk if he clears.
Jokinen has been a mainstay on the second power-play unit and has been a steady penalty killer. He had six goals and nine points in the first 18 games of the season, but he has only one assist in the past 13 games as he has battled nagging injuries. Jokinen missed two days of practice this week, and interim coach Rick Tocchet has stated recently he is not happy with Jokinen's play.
Acquired from Dallas along with goaltender Mike Smith and center Jeff Halpern in the Brad Richards trade, Jokinen was considered a big part of the deal. In 20 games with Tampa Bay last year, Jokinen had two goals and 14 points. Considered a shootout specialist, Jokinen has gone 1-for-7 this season after starting his career 17-for-29 while in Dallas.
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