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End of the Trail for Mikko Koivu and Minnesota Wild?

Mikko Koivu’s future with the Minnesota Wild sounds doubtful. What will he do next as it pertains to his NHL career?

After 1028 career playoff games, 729 points later (205 goals, 504 assists), and 11 years as captain it sounds as though Mikko Koivu’s marvelous career with the Minnesota Wild may come to a close this Fall. As reported by Wild insider Michael Russo, GM Bill Guerin and company are looking to start a new chapter in the Twin Cities.

To say this will be an adjustment for both Koivu and the Wild organization would plainly be an understatement. After being drafted 6th overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Koivu spent four (3 years in SM-liiga, and 1 in the AHL) full years of development before he became a full-time member of the Wild during the 2005-06 season. The rest as they say is history, which is full of the legacy and impact Koivu had in the State with 10,000 Lakes.

What is Next for Koivu?

Could this be it for the 37-year old Finn’s NHL career? Koivu could very well decide to head home to Turku and play out the last several years of his career. Certainly, no one could fault Koivu for wanting to get back to his roots amidst the uncertainty this global pandemic has caused. In the end, it will be up to Mikko, but one might think that several teams will undoubtedly want to know about his NHL intentions.

While the offensive output has declined during his last two shortened seasons, Koivu could still carry value – both on and off the ice. Consider the on-going Jesse Puljujärvi situation with the Edmonton Oilers. As a fellow Finn, could a player like Koivu help ‘recruit’ and subsequently assist in the continuous development of a player like Puljujärvi in Edmonton? Although they may need less guidance than Puljujärvi in Edmonton, how about Patrik Laine in Winnipeg or Mikko Rantanen in Colorado or Miro Heiskanen in Dallas? All great young talents that are beginning to get established as full-time NHL players and perhaps a veteran, but familiar presence might be welcome.

Keep an eye out for Koivu chatter as he still may have some intangible value to an NHL organization other than the Minnesota Wild.

NEXT: Oilers Sign Depth Forward Adam Cracknell

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