Olli Jokinen Returns From Surgery, Questions About His Future With The Calgary Flames Raised

Earlier this afternoon it was released that Calgary Flames veteran centerman Olli Jokinen underwent surgery on his abdomen.  In pain since March, Jokinen finished the season before going under the knife for repairs.  This puts an interesting twist on earlier news about the Flames signing of Roman Cervenka.

If Jokinen’s slump towards the end was due to this tear, could a comeback be in the works for him?  Will the Calgary Flames keep him around for another season to see how his newly repaired abdomen?  Or will Jokinen be given the same treatment former Calgary Flame Dion Phaneuf was given, a trade before he could prove his worth post injury?

With Roman Cervenka in the line up, the risk to resign Jokinen for the kind of money he will request might not be worth it in the long run.  Cervenka has equal number of goals this season as Jokinen does, and cost a fraction of what Jokinen does.  It may be the the Flames best interest to move on at this juncture.  Cervenka can be the start of this illusive “rebuild” the fans have been waiting for, keeping Jokinen around may hamper these efforts.

Stay tuned this summer for all updates on the Calgary Flames roster!

Go Flames Go!