In an almost unprecedented move, the Minnesota Wild have publicly announced that they will not re-sign captain Mikko Koivu, a pending unrestricted free agent. His 15-year career with the team will end with a press release from GM Bill Guerin:
[Koivu’s] hard work, dedication and team-first mentality will be extremely difficult to replace in our lineup. Off the ice, Mikko’s impact in the State of Hockey was immeasurable as he went out of his way to make a positive impact on so many people in our community, including his charitable contributions to Children’s Minnesota.
We thank Mikko for everything he has done for our organization and wish him and his family the best in the future.
Koivu, 37, debuted with the Wild in 2005 and has played his entire 1,028-game NHL career with the organization, serving as captain the last eleven seasons. The sixth-overall pick from 2001 amassed 709 points during that time, reaching the postseason on nine different occasions.
In recent years, Koivu’s offensive production has deteriorated immensely, resulting in a career-low of just four goals and 21 points this season. While the 6’3″ center was still a capable defensive presence, it was obvious that his time in the Minnesota lineup was coming to an end.
This move continues what has been a busy offseason for Guerin as he desperately tries to reshape the Wild and get younger throughout the roster. Eric Staal was dealt earlier this week for a younger Marcus Johansson, while Nick Bjugstad was also brought in to compete for minutes down the middle. If the trade rumors surrounding Matt Dumba and Devan Dubnyk are to be believed, there are more changes coming for Minnesota in the coming weeks.
For Koivu, he now must decide whether or not to continue his career elsewhere and if so whether that elsewhere is in the NHL or overseas. Earlier this month Michael Russo of The Athletic profiled the forward, examining his near-endless Minnesota records and future options. That included a potential non-playing role with the organization, though it doesn’t seem like that is going to happen right away given today’s statement.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Seems similar to when the yotes basically told Doan to pound sand
Sad. These guys dedicate their careers to these teams, and a lot of the time it’s bad teams, and then we’ll now you’re old. See ya! No loyalty. Oh well he made his millions guess my bleeding heart shouldn’t bleed too badly.
@backhandinbaptist – For me, the loyalty test will be whether they reach out to Koivu and offer him a position in the organization when he decides to hang up the skates. Because of the poorly-conceived wording of this presser, if I were Mikko, I’d tell them to “bite it!” Teams that do this are trashing their own images, which may not bode well for long-term success.
Never great to get the tap on the shoulder.
Between him and his brother,you will never meet two bigger a**holes in hockey. Do you see Saku on a bench anywhere prominent?
@Dave – That’s an interesting revelation. From what we’ve been fed by the media over the years, most of us wouldn’t think that was the case. Sounds like Mikko’s next address won’t have an “MN” at the end, will it? I was going to say that “tap on the shoulder” would be accompanied by “So, what the hell are you still doing here?” And, that coveted position in the organization would have to be knowing the business end of the mop, eh?
I’d like to do better, but the Pens could do a lot worse for a 3C. I wonder what he’d cost on a 1 year deal.
McCann Koivu Hornqvist is a decent third line.
Sorry but the pens aren’t going to spend what little space they have on Koivu. I think they will roll the dice with McCann at center of the 3rd line.
I’m talking about a 1 year, $1 million type of deal.
I think there will be nice bargains for anyone who can wait out the first 48 hours of free agency.
Emphatic NO to Koivu. He’s a shell of his former self. You could certainly find better and younger. Also been another right center.
Nice Career. Best of luck in whatever comes next