He's played 68 games or more the last 3 years, but the point totals keep dropping: 65, 42, and 36 last year in 70 games.
$4 million for this season for roughly 0.5 PPG last year? No thanks.
OTOH, if this is Toronto preparing a compliance buyout, I could see trying him on a cheap contract as a third line center. That would put Jokinen back on the wing on the second line. But that means moving one of the kids down, likely Dalpe. Would you rather try Connolly and put Dalpe back in Charlotte to call up if/when Connolly is hurt, or try Dalpe now and trade for a better 3C at the deadline if necessary?