Mikko Koivu is a Finnish professional ice hockey player who has had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on March 12, 1983, in Turku, Finland, and began playing hockey at a young age. Koivu's older brother, Saku Koivu, also played in the NHL and was a captain for the Montreal Canadiens.
Koivu began his professional career in Finland, playing for TPS Turku in the Finnish Elite League. He was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the first round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut in 2005. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Wild, known for his strong defensive play and leadership on and off the ice.
Koivu was named the captain of the Wild in 2009, a position he held for over a decade. He led the team to the playoffs several times and was a key player in their success. Koivu was known for his work ethic and dedication to the game, and he was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
Throughout his career, Koivu was a consistent scorer and playmaker. He had a career-high 71 points in the 2009-2010 season and was named to the NHL All-Star Game in 2017. He was also a finalist for the Selke Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL's best defensive forward, in 2017.
Koivu's career was not without its challenges, however. He suffered several injuries throughout his career, including a torn ACL in 2018 that caused him to miss significant time. Despite these setbacks, Koivu remained a key player for the Wild and continued to contribute to the team's success.
In 2020, Koivu became an unrestricted free agent and signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He played one season with the team before announcing his retirement from the NHL in 2021. Koivu finished his career with 206 goals and 504 assists for a total of 710 points in 1,035 games played.
Off the ice, Koivu was known for his charitable work and dedication to his community. He was involved in several organizations that supported children's health and education, and he was a beloved figure in both Minnesota and Finland.
Overall, Mikko Koivu had a successful career in the NHL, known for his strong defensive play, leadership, and dedication to the game. He will be remembered as one of the greatest players in Minnesota Wild history and a beloved figure in the hockey world.
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