Jokinen not sure if Jets want him back

The Winnipeg Sun reflects on Jets centre Olli Jokinen's comments in the fall that he felt he could play another five or six years, which he still stands by now.

“Absolutely,” said the 35-year-old. “When you get to this age, you try to enjoy every day you come to the rink and are able to put your skates on and work. That gives you the drive to get better. And obviously, you want to win as well. This year I’ve been able to get my game where it needs to be. I’ve been able to move up and down in the lineup and do the things coach has asked me to do

“I haven’t lost the passion. I still enjoy playing and I still enjoy working hard. You go day-by-day. That’s the way it should be, even if you have 10 years on your contract or no contract at all. Physically and mentally, I feel I can still play.”

Jokinen's two-year contract is about to expire and he's not sure what will happen from here.

“The future is good here,” said Jokinen. “What’s my future going to be? I don’t know. I have absolutely no idea. At the end of the day, it’s not always what the players’ want. You need one side to want you first, before you can answer these questions.”

The article contains high praise for Jokinen from Paul Maurice and Mark Stuart; while also suggesting the Jets would be well-served by re-signing Jokinen to a one-year deal, rather than a multi-year contract.

Source: Ken Wiebe, Winnipeg Sun