The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed veteran center Mikko Koivu to a one-year, one-way contract worth 1.5 million.
For the past 15 years, Koivu has been the face of the Minnesota Wild and beloved by all their fans. He also spent 13 years as a member of the Wild’s leadership group wearing both the “A” and “C” on his sweater. The ability to both “talk the talk” and “walk the walk” will prove beneficial to the Jackets when messy games roll around.
In 1028 games with the Wild, Koivu has scored 709 points in the form of 205 goals and 504 assists. Koivu also has 251 career power play points. Which isn’t that bad when you consider the Jackets’ power play record as of late.
Signing Koivu as a bottom six center allows Boone Jenner to flourish in his natural role of left wing.
If you want a more in depth look at the impact Koivu has in hockey both on and off the ice, take some time out of your day to watch “Becoming Wild: Mikko Koivu 1000th NHL Game”.