Annual expectations thread 2023/24: #10 Henri Jokiharju

[dudacek]

As it was the previous 2 seasons, Jokiharju’s year was marred by injury and his counting stats remained relatively static. The lack of obvious progress from his early years and the addition of shinier, newer toys on the roster led to many fans growing tired of him. His coach, however, should not be counted among that number, skating him for more than 21 minutes a night for the second consecutive year.

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=196298

Two Jokiharju stats didn’t spark much attention, but were notable nonetheless. For the first time in his professional career, he finished above 50% in his 5-on-5 shot share. And he did that despite his D-zone starts increasing from 42.9% to 49.3%, and being unstapled from the hip of Rasmus Dahlin. Henri Is entering his 6th NHL season but has never topped 69 games played. He just turned 24 and has played 273 games.

What do you expect from Jokiharju this year?
(Last year’s takes here)

 

[Sabres Fan in NS]

With the arrival of Connor I think Joker is likely to be in his *perfect* role as a #5 or #6 (depending on your perspective) paired with EJ.  At least for this coming season.

[Norcal]

Best NHL season to date

Improved all around play

[nfreeman]

I'm a Joki believer.  Option 3.

[thewookie1]

I'd put him as #2 but as a 3rd pair guy. (He doesn't look great with either Dahlin or Power)

[RochesterExpat]

It’s option #2 but as a 5/6 guy instead.

[GASabresIUFAN]

https://theathletic.com/4936865/2023/10/06/buffalo-sabres-henri-jokiharju-injury/

“The Sabres’ 24-year old defenseman was skating back toward the blue line in the offensive zone when Kyle Okposo tried to dump the puck into the corner. The puck hit a stick and then struck Jokiharju in the face. Jokiharju dropped to his knees immediately as blood trickled onto the ice. Trainers helped him to the locker room.

The Sabres went on to win a thrilling 6-3 game, but Jokiharju suffered a facial fracture and a concussion. He didn’t play again for another month, and when he did return he had a tinted visor to deal with the light sensitivity.”

Maybe this explains Joki’s lousy season last year.  

“Now almost 12 months removed from the concussion, Jokiharju said he feels better than he’s ever felt entering a season. Teammates have noticed, too. He has two goals in the preseason so far and has continued to skate alongside Power.”

The tinted visor is gone and DG is coaching him to me more assertive.  

Maybe he’ll bounce back to the player we saw two years ago when he played relaxed and simple and added a little O here and there.

Edited October 6, 2023 by GASabresIUFAN

[SabresBaltimore]

4 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

Maybe he’ll bounce back to the player see saw two years ago when he played relaxed and simple and added a little O here and there.

Wouldn't that be great. I'm not as down on Joki as some are here, but I'd prefer him as a 3rd pair guy and have someone better with Power. If he can step up his game and change my mind all the better.

 

[bob_sauve28]

We can now say, unequivocally, that we won the Nylander/Joki trade. 

 

Trade won! 

[Sabres Fan in NS]

14 minutes ago, bob_sauve28 said:

We can now say, unequivocally, that we won the Nylander/Joki trade. 

 

Trade won! 

And that Nylander on waivers yesterday, so the Sabres could get him back for nothing.

Win / win ??

Probably not.

Edited October 6, 2023 by Sabres Fan in NS

[bob_sauve28]

9 minutes ago, Sabres Fan in NS said:

And that Nylander on waivers yesterday, so the Sabres could get him back for nothing.

Win / win ??

Probably not.

KA would hold a press conference rubbing Chicago's nose in it 🤣

[Weave]

After watching my son Continue to deal with issues like migraines and light sensitivity for years after his last concussion, I have a  well found respect for those who are able to get past them and be able to do things at a high level.

[dudacek]

Sometimes players become whipping boys because they struggle (Bryson, UPL).

Other times it just feels like the mob needs someone to pile on.

I think the latter’s the case with Joki.

Everyone talks about the defence falling apart last fall when Samuelsson went out. No one talks about #10 also being missing for that stretch.

Everyone talks about Samuelsson Dahlin being such a good pair last year. No one talks about Jokiharju Dahlin being an even better pair analytically.

Everyone talks about injuries hampering Dahlin’s play after the all-star game last year. No one talks about Jokiharju playing through 2 serious injuries last season.

The guys not a star, but he’s a real NHL defenceman, not the Jamie McBain-like press box fodder some of you make him out to be: Sekera, Kalinin, Shannon - good Sabres teams have always had room for guys his level.

The article has a subtext that suggests the room is well aware of what the keyboard warriors are saying about Henri.

I hope he’s healthy and able to piss in their Cheerios this year.

Edited October 6, 2023 by dudacek

[Pimlach]

The proof will be in the his play.   The injury is gone.  DG seems to like Joker and he will get a fair chance.   Clean slate for 2023-24.  

[Ctaeth]

seems like an appropriate place to put this:  

https://twitter.com/23sabres/status/1700619582635921762?s=20

since I apparently suck at getting this to embed...the title of the video is "Henri Jokiharju highlights except it’s just him spamming point shots into shin pads"

Edited October 6, 2023 by Ctaeth

[Scottysabres]

Canucks looking for an RD per Dhaliwal.

[bob_sauve28]

7 minutes ago, Scottysabres said:

Canucks looking for an RD per Dhaliwal.

Dhaliwal will when nobody will! 

 

 

[Porous Five Hole]

On 10/6/2023 at 12:25 PM, Ctaeth said:

seems like an appropriate place to put this:  

https://twitter.com/23sabres/status/1700619582635921762?s=20

since I apparently suck at getting this to embed...the title of the video is "Henri Jokiharju highlights except it’s just him spamming point shots into shin pads"

the music made me lol

[Ctaeth]

4 hours ago, Porous Five Hole said:

the music made me lol

Thanks for embedding it.  I think about this video now every time Joki is mentioned