Jussi Jokinen Records Hat Trick Against Hurricanes While Still on Their Salary Cap (Video)

The Carolina Hurricanes paid Jussi Jokinen to net a hat trick against them on Tuesday night — no, really, they did.

The Canes parted ways with the forward last season after four-plus years with the team, as Jokinen was sent packing to the Penguins for a late-round draft pick. As part of the trade agreement, however, Carolina retained $900,000 of the $3 million Jokinen is due this season.

Facing his former team for the first time in the 2013-14 campaign, Jokinen made the Hurricanes pay — in more ways than one. The left wing recorded his first career hat trick, propelling the Pens to 3-0 on the season. Now having faced Carolina three times since the trade, Jokinen has racked up five goals against his former squad.

“I won’t even try to deny it,” the 30-year-old forward told the Raleigh News & Observer’s Chip Alexander. “It’s always extra motivation when you play against your former team.”

Check out Jokinen taking it to his old club in the video below.