Olli Jokinen harshly criticizes the way SM league teams make contracts at a very early stage.
Olli Jokinen coaches Jukurei for the third season. The man’s contract with Mikkeli ends this season.
Someone doesn’t know their employer for next season yet, or at least won’t reveal it.
– I have no idea what the next season will bring. There have been interesting inquiries from Finland and abroad. But at the moment everything is still open, Jokinen tells Iltalehte.
OJ does not even want to specify whether the man’s job will be found in Finland or abroad next season.
NHL?
Jokinen played a total of 1231 regular season games in his active career in the NHL. The man is familiar with the NHL world and the league’s culture. The English language is well mastered.
Taalaliiga will be a realistic option for Joki at some point.
– It is very unlikely that I will coach in the NHL next season. At the moment, I want to continue in Europe. North America will then perhaps be included in the plans if nothing can be found in Europe, 44-year-old Jokinen states.
The game of chairs is about to begin
Jokinen came to the League for the 2021-22 season accompanied by a special discussion. In the very first season, the man took the small-budget Jukurit to the playoffs and won the Kalevi Numminen award for coach of the year at the annual closing gala of the League.
In the league, there will be interesting training camps for next season. Ville Peltonen the current contract with HIFK expires next spring. Of course, it is entirely possible that Peltonen will continue in the reds.
Ilves needs a transfer to Leijon Antti Pennanen replaced by a new man. Olli Salon the contract with KooKoo ends. Likewise Tommi Niemelän With the Pelicans.
Lauri Marjamäki the position in Kärpi is probably not set in stone, and SaiPa’s head coach will see a new man next season.
So the game of chairs is about to start and jobs are opening up. Both for Joki and other coaches.
– Jukurit is still a viable option for me. In no case have I closed the doors here, Jokinen reminds.
The system is interesting
Olli Joki has his sleeves full of work with the Jukurs. The people of Mikkeli are on a losing streak lasting several matches. The team is plagued by inefficiency. VESA PÖPPÖNEN / AOP
In the league, coach and player contracts are made at a very early stage. At the end of summer or right at the beginning of autumn, key players will be attached to the club for the next season.
The system differs from the leagues of many other countries, especially when it comes to coaches’ contracts.
– Here, the market opens even before the start of the league season, which is quite amusing. There should be a rule here that coach or player contracts should not be signed before January, Jokinen snorts.
– In some ways, the whole process is crazy in this country.
When do you think your case will be resolved?
– Surely during November I will know my future. Or it also depends on what kind of deadlines the clubs that might be interested in me give, says Jokinen.
Watch Olli Jokinen’s thoughts on his own future as a coach in the video that is the main image of the story.