Koivu considering retirement after Minnesota lets him become free agent

The long-time Minnesota Wild captain, Mikko Koivu, is considering retirement after the team said they will not be resigning him for next season.

Koivu is set to become an unrestricted free agent Oct. 9, after playing his entire 15-year career in Minnesota. He was selected 6th overall in the 2001 NHL draft. Although he has expressed interest in retirement, the 37-year-old also said he would consider playing for another NHL team or on a team in his native country, Finland.

The veteran has already begun some off-ice workouts to be ready for the start of next season. He then hopes to return to Finland next week, where he will increase his workouts, along with beginning to skate.

"I think there's still a lot of questions for myself to make sure that it's kind of the right, whatever it [is], if it's the right thing to do in the future," Koivu said last Friday. "I think there's some decisions that I've made and then some question marks that I still have, so as of right now I don't want to say too much just because you don't want to take words back, and I think individually I have to make sure that it's very clear what I want from the future, and when the time is right, then to come out with it."

Koivu has been the Minnesota Wild captain since 2009-10, and he leads the franchise in points (709), assists (504), and games (1028). He is second only to Marian Gaborik in goals, who has 219 compared to his 205.

Koivu wants to give his body a chance to play if he thinks he can mentally and physically do so. He thinks that returning to Finland will help him make his decision on his future. Koivu would be a good addition for any team looking to upgrade their depth at the center position, if he decides to return.

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES