Flame for Thought
Fansided

Calgary Flames New Addition Complimenting Partner

By Brandon Murphy

Dec 31, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton (27) skates against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Los Angeles Kings won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton (27) skates against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Los Angeles Kings won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Calgary Flames were on a mission to acquire future assets when they traded Kris Russell. The return they got for the veteran blueliner was more than anyone could hope for.

In his brief time with the organization, Jyrki Jokkipakka has proven that he was sought out to be one of the elite shut down young defensemen. When he was traded to the Flames, the plan seems to have Jokkipakka play alongside Dougie Hamilton.

With TJ Brodie and Mark Giordano locked into long term deals, they will be heading up the top defensive pairing for the near future. Dougie Hamilton and Kris Russell were meshing well, but there wasn’t pure chemistry there to give hope that this was how the Flames wanted to round out their top four.

Jokkipakka seems to be a much better fit with Hamilton. His 6’3 frame provides a lot of physicality and it compliments his ability to move the puck in the breakout. Since joining the Flames, Jokkipakka has recorded 4 points in 12 games.

As a stay at home defenseman, to have some offensive production from the 24 year old is a great addition. He is still getting used to the Flames system, but the fact that he’s acclimated with Hamilton provides a lot of optimism for the future.

More from Flame for Thought

All this optimism isn’t without some concern. Jokkipakka has a tendency to give up the puck in his own zone trying to push the stretch through the neutral zone. His tunnel vision creates turnovers which leads to a lot of odd man rushes for the other team.

The blueliner frequently sends the puck along the boards instead of passing to his defensive partner. These things will come more easily as he gets more NHL experience and learns the speed.

Next: Sean Monahan Having A Late Season Surge

Despite these negatives, Jokkipakka appears to be the perfect fit alongside Hamilton to round out a top four that can challenge most top lines in the NHL. Locking him up for the next 4-7 years would be ideal in the road to securing a deep core to compete and return to the playoffs in the next few years.

Home/Calgary Flames News