The Free Press’s Helene St. James attempted to make sense of the Red Wings’ decision to offer well-traveled veteran Jussi Jokinen a professional try-out:
General manager Ken Holland said Tuesday that Jussi Jokinen, a 35-year-old veteran of nine NHL teams, will be at training camp when it begins Friday.
“He played for Dan Bylsma, asked for a tryout,” Holland said. “He understands the situation, but we will play him in some preseason games. Over the next month, we want to see where the young players are, and then we’ll assess our team.”
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It seems unlikely Jokinen will be a fit, barring a slew of injuries. Michael Rasmussen, the Wings’ first-round pick from 2017, is a front-runner to grab an opening, and Filip Zadina, drafted at sixth overall this past June, will also get significant looks during the eight-game exhibition schedule. Both have the skill set to help boost the offense.
Another veteran to “win the tie” with one of our kids.