"Olli Jokinen was eager about coming to play the Panthers two months ago, but the reunion never happened. Days before the game, the Flames traded him to the Rangers.

Put on hold, Jokinen's long-awaited return has arrived.

Saturday, the Panthers' former captain and all-time leader in goals (188), assists (231) and points (419) will play his first game at BankAtlantic Center since he was traded to the Coyotes at the 2008 draft — a deal which brought over defenseman Keith Ballard.

"It's a special game. I have a lot of good memories in that building. It will be a little weird," Jokinen said.

He'll have friends at the game, as well as his family. After his trade to the Rangers, Jokinen's wife and two daughters watched him win bronze with Finland in Vancouver, then packed up and moved back into the house the family still owns in Parkland.

Jokinen said he doesn't know what to expect from Panthers fans Saturday.

"It could be anything between cheering and booing, I guess," he said. "I really enjoyed my time when I was playing for the Panthers. There's a good group of fans over there, hard-core fans. I know a lot of them, actually, being there so long."

Jokinen spent seven seasons with the Panthers — four as captain. The team's failure to make the playoffs, a poor personal finish to the 2007-08 season, and a strained relationship with then-General Manager/coach Jacques Martin led to his departure."