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![]() Today the NHL saw one of the gentlemen of the sport retire. Mikko Koivu, a dedicated leader, and a prolific puck moving center. His career spent mainly with the Minnesota Wild has won over fans the past 16 years. Although his career isn’t capped off with a cup or individual trophies he did find himself as a selke trophy finalist in the 2016-17 season. Many of Koivu’s achievements include a gold medal in the U18 world junior tournament as a 17 year old for Finland and a 2011 World Ice Hockey Championship gold for Finland also. You will also find in his medal case 2 silver and 2 bronze medals in the World Championships, an Olympic silver in 2006 and bronze in 2010 and a silver in the 2004 World Cup of Hockey just to name a few. Koivu never put up the goal numbers but he was there with the helpers. In 1035 games played Koivu had 206 goals and 505 assists for 711 points, almost a point in 75 percent of his games. He was the first player in Wild history to play 1000 games entirely for their franchise and leads the franchise in games played with 1028. A record that will stand for a long time in Minnesota. He also leads the Wild in franchise points and Power Play points. Koivu has transcended the Wild fanbase and deserved more as a player. And although his time with the Jackets was short he did get 2 points in 7 games and did not look bad at all. And I have been seeing posts on social media saying Torts got to him but honestly I believe that he did not have any left in the tank. He was an aging player who was looking for a last chance for success and ultimately did not find it in Columbus. I wish Mikko the best in retirement and for a healthy life.
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April 2024
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