Just wanted to say your doing an amzing job at pointing out the major players on each team. Can’t wait to hear what you think of the Leafs and Gustavsson

Jussi Jokinen may be the odd man out at left wing this season. There’s no doubt that Whitney will be Carolina’s top option at left to start the year. With that being said, there are several players that could fill that 2nd line left wing position.

We’re thinking that because of the way Sergei Samsanov has excelled in Carolina, he’ll be their 2nd option at left wing to start the season.

Even if we’re wrong in this assumption, the ‘Canes also have Chad LaRose, who has improved his production every season since 2005-2006.

Don’t forget that Tuomo Ruutu has also played left wing in the past, so if need be, he can certainly fill the role as well.

Jokinen’s performance with Carolina was so-so during the regular season and even though he has the ability to play the center position as well, the ‘Canes are set as they have Staal, Brind’Amour, Cullen and Yelle to fill those roles. Certainly cuts his versatility a bit.

It just may not be in the cards for Jokinen to make it off that 3rd line this season, especially if LaRose lives up to the club’s expectations. He may be called upon to kill penalties this season and could develop into a shorthanded threat, but your best bet would be to avoid him unless you’re in a deep fantasy leagues that emphasizes shorthanded points.