Jokinen drops his toys

[jRuutu 2,464]

 

News from Riga suggests that a rookie defender, Erlantz Jokinen, has been put on the trade block. Speculation, whether anybody wants the modestly talented defender into their organization has been going on around the internet. Many fans think Jokinen has potential. Some see Jokinen as a luxury player with offensive instincts, and some wonder if Jokinen is a ''flight risk'' due to the upcoming European league.

 

We here in ''Champagne and Hockey'' called to Jokinen earlier today, and much to our delight - he answered. Here is a transcript of the phone call:

 

Hello!
EJ: Hello, who is this?

 

It's Rick from Champagne and Hockey, do you have a moment, I would like to ask few questions.
EJ: Oh hey, I read your magazine while I sit on the toilet in the morning. Sure, I have time.

 

Great. First of all, are the rumors true - are you currently on the trade block?
EJ: It's true. I had my agent call the management and let them know it's time to see what is out there. I don't know if anything comes out of it but doesn't hurt to look around.

 

What do you mean when you say: ''it's time to see what is out there''?
EJ: I'm a young player. I need to play if I want to improve as a player. The trend as of late has been that I don't get offensive zone starts or defensive zone starts. I get the easy matchups, which means I rarely face any trouble while I'm on the ice. I want to challenge myself and improve. I want to play against the best, and I want to play a lot. In short, that is the reason why I asked my agent to put in the word that I'm open to a move. I feel I'm not getting a fair opportunity to show what I can do. I feel that I don't get a fair opportunity to make mistakes and learn from those.

 

Riga is one of the best teams in VHL, are you worried that leaving now could mean you don't win the championship?

EJ: That is a worry, but then again, if I play 11 or 12 minutes per game, I might never reach my full potential. I need to think about the future and my career. VHL is a cold world. If a season or two into the future, I'm struggling and things are not going well - is Riga or any other team willing to give me the benefit of a doubt while I work on my game? I don't think so. It's a lot of pressure to get to a certain level over the summer if you did not play enough during the season. The injury risk gets higher, and hockey is not fun. A lot easier if I get into a decent role and play tough minutes against tough players regularly. That is what I want.

 

Thank you for the interview Erlantz. Hopefully, we will hear some news. Feel free to send me the latest information if you want. I can make the headlines real controversial, so you get your name out there.
EJ: No problem. I will keep that in mind. Thanks. Bye!

Bye.