Phoenix trades Olli Jokinen and a 3rd round pick to Calgary for Matthew Lombardi, Brandon Prust and a 1st round pick.
Motivation:
Phoenix was desperate to get rid of Jokinen as he did not fit into their system or dressing room. Calgary, like Montreal, have been looking for a top-line centre for a couple of years now. They finally get their guy and re-unite him with his old Florida coach Mike Keenan, the coach who Olli credits his development to.
Fantasy Outlook:
Olli Jokinen: Things can only get better for Jokinen as he has struggled to fit in with Phoenix and has an underwhelming 42 points in 57 games (on pace for 54). He should get every opportunity to mesh with Jarome Iginla and both players should see an instant spike in production - even though Jarome is one of the hottest players in the league right now. Look for Olli to finish strong with 22 points in the last 19 games. Next year, Jokinen should return to his point-per-game standard and could possibly challenge his career-best of 91 points, set in 2006-2007. Jokinen once again becomes a very good keeper and a 2nd round pick in your annual draft. For Iginla owners, this should also help him get back to the 90-100 point range.
Matthew Lombardi: At 26, Lombardi is a player that needs to break out soon. Is he a productive 3rd liner or can he play on one of the top two lines? He has struggled the past two seasons to replicate his career numbers of 46 points in 2006-2007. This year, he has showed some promise but hasn't been able to fit into a permanent role on one of Calgary's top two lines. Lombardi is known for his great wheels and decent hands. With all the young talent in Phoenix, he could become one of those complimentary players that is good for 55-65 points a year (see Kunitz, or Dumont). Look for Lombardi to get some decent ice-time in the desert and finish with 12-13 points in the final 19 games. If he meshes with Mueller and Doan, he could end up closer to a point-per-game to finish out the season. Next year, Lombardi will be fighting the talented youngsters in Phoenix for ice time but could post 50-55 points. Look for him as a sleeper in the middle-to-later rounds of your draft. At this point, he is a non-keeper.
Brandon Prust: If you're in leagues that reward PIMS then you may be interested in taking a flyer on Prust. With Phoenix moving Carcillo to Philadelphia today, Prust becomes their resident enforcer. He currently has 79 PIMs in just 25 games and will be relied upon to bring the fists night in and night out in the desert. No keeper value and a "PIM specialist" waiver wire edition for next year.
Nice fantasy outlook on Prust. Best comment in this entire blog. Worst comment....(drum roll please.....) "Look for Olli to finish strong with 22 points in the last 19 games. Next year, Jokinen should return to his point-per-game standard and could possibly challenge his career-best of 91 points, set in 2006-2007". I like how you think the new guy instantly clicks with his line mates. Here is the problem. Iggy loves to shoot. Olli loves to shoot. The problem is there is only one puck. It will take some time for these two guys to mesh. Overall his value goes up, but 22 in the final 19 is a bit much. More like 15 (which still is very solid). Next year...he might push for his career best, but thats a big if. More likely 70-80. A definate keeper.
ReplyDeleteMy prediction is Olli winds up on the second line. I know, bold statement. He will flurish under Iron Mike but I don't see him making an impact with Iggy. I see him playing a very strong supporting line, making them a 1 and 1A scoring threats.
ReplyDelete1st Game update:
ReplyDeleteJokinen played with Iginla and Cammalleri and the line had 7 points. 2 goals for Olli. Instant chemistry???