Nokelainen spent the 2012-13 rehabbing a back injury before skating for Montreal's affiliate in the AHL, the Hamilton Bulldogs. He had four points in 17 games with the Bulldogs. He became an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. A two-way player with modest speed, Nokelainen's biggest assets are his penalty-killing and faceoff abilities. If he's healthy, Nokelainen should find himself on an NHL team's fourth line.
Nokelainen recorded modest offensive numbers following his trade to Montreal from Phoenix last October, registering seven points in 51 games for the Habs. He was a healthy scratch at times during the season and has 41 points in 240 combined career NHL games with five different organizations.
Nokelainen spent 2010-11 with Jokerit Helsinki and made effective use of his ice time to rack up 116 sin bin minutes in 46 games to compliment 27 points (11 G, 16 A). If Nokelainen can get onto the ice and match his penalty pace with the Coyotes in 2011-12, he could force himself onto the outskirts of fantasy consideration if your league rewards PIMs.
Nokelainen was acquired from the Bruins at the trade deadline. His fantasy value is limited at best as he only scored four goal and five assists for Anaheim in 50 games. He is also coming off surgery on his hand, although he is expected to be fully recovered by training camp. His only value is in the deepest of fantasy leagues.
Nokelainen was limited to seven goals (10 points) in 57 games last season, but he does have the skating ability and skills to produce more. At the very least, he's proven to be a valuable forechecker for the B's.
Nokelainen spent some time on the Bruins' fourth line with Mark Mowers and Jeff Hoggan in the preseason. Even if he makes the team, he doesn't have much fantasy value.
Nokelainen's value lies more in his defensive acumen more than his offensive ability. He projects to be a strong two-way, with the emphasis more on the defensive side of the game.
While his offensive skills are considered average, his defensive ability is NHL caliber. If he can develop his scoring touch a tad, he has the making of a solid two-way player. Still needs time to hone his skills.
