After two years of baseless speculation, the Florida Panthers finally traded away team captain Olli Jokinen, but not to the teams he was often linked to in trade rumors.

Instead of landing in Calgary, Minnesota or Vancouver Jokinen was shipped to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for defensemen Nick Boynton and Keith Ballard and the second round pick (49th overall).

Panthers GM Jacques Martin wanted to bolster his defense corps and Boynton and Ballard should help in that regard, but this move also significantly depletes the Panthers offensive production. Panthers fans probably won’t be happy about this return.

Boynton was once a highly touted blueliner with the Boston Bruins but injury and contract squabble diminished his status, so much so that it was rumored throughout last season the Coyotes tried unsuccessfully to move him.

Ballard however has far more potential, a 25-year-old blueliner who can play a physical style but also contribute offensively. His offensive production has steadily dropped in his first three seasons but his defensive game has improved.  

If that 49th overall pick should blossom into a star player down the road this deal could work more in the Panthers favor. Having bolstered his defense (possibly in hopes of enticing RFA Jay Bouwmeester into re-signing a long-term deal), Martin will be hard pressed to replace the gaping hole at center.

Coyotes fans have to be thrilled about this move, as they’d now got a bona fide first line center for winger Shane Doan’s line, giving the Coyotes considerably more offensive punch than they’ve had in recent years.

Losing Ballard and Boynton bites into their defensive depth, but with Ed Jovanovski, Derek Morris and Zbynek Michalek  already on their blueline and young Keith Yandle making the team at mid-season it might not hurt them too badly.

The chance to increase the offensive firepower was obviously too good to pass up, and they’ll have Jokinen on the payroll for the next seasons, which could give him the opportunity on a more promising team to finally play on a post-season team.

In the short term, rank this deal a winner for the Coyotes.