It's just my opinion, but no. Trading Koivu creates a hole that is tough to fill. I don't think Gagner gets that done. It's possible that trading Koivu would be entertained, but I don't think that happens unless the Wild are sure a guy like Coyle can fill that #1 center spot. If they were comfortable with Coyle and Granlund down the middle as #1 & #2, it's possible they would try to trade Koivu. But that can't be established right now.

I'd say any deal with Edmonton where Koivu is involved, the framework is going to need to include Klefbom and possibly another quality defensive prospect. But I'm not sure I see these teams as good trading partners.
- Chinaski

How about Gagner, Klefbom, and N Schultz (withholding 1 mill for cap reasons) for Koivu and a 3rd?

I think you alluded to my point though in your last post. Team is getting too small and Koivu's strength is physical two way play. I think if they could get a number one center for him in some sort of package deal, I'd be okay with it, but no one is giving up a number one center for Koivu and a prospect, and I don' t think the Wild can afford to keep trading away high draft picks.

So my point is, Koivu is more valuable to this roster than he is as trade bait for same or lesser talent. Yeo just has to bite the bullet and relagate Mikko to number two center position. Put Coyle on the top line and see what he can do. That is if he can come back soon...
- MnGump

If Coyle was ready to step into that 1C role, then I would be tempted with the Gagner + prospect trade for Koivu. Not because I am all that high on Gagner but because Koivu's contract is so ridiculous, that it would be nice to get it off the books... giving Fletch the chance to go out and sign a true #1. Aside from the PP, often times it appears that Koivu and his linemates are not on the same page.

How about Gagner, Klefbom, and N Schultz (withholding 1 mill for cap reasons) for Koivu and a 3rd?
- MaximumBone

I think I would be okay with CF making that deal. But like I said before, with a trade like the one you propose, the thing that gets me most excited is seeing Koivu's contract disappear.

I think I would be okay with CF making that deal. But like I said before, with a trade like the one you propose, the thing that gets me most excited is seeing Koivu's contract disappear.
- SotaPopinski

I can understand that, and the Oilers would certainly assume some risk with Koivu's injury history and his contract being as long as it is, but his size, two-way acumen, veteran presence, and faceoff ability is something the Oilers seriously lack and should be ready to pay a heavy premium to acquire. Perhaps it could be arranged for Minny to withhold $0.5 million for a certain amount of years to get the contract closer to the base line.

It's just my opinion, but no. Trading Koivu creates a hole that is tough to fill. I don't think Gagner gets that done. It's possible that trading Koivu would be entertained, but I don't think that happens unless the Wild are sure a guy like Coyle can fill that #1 center spot. If they were comfortable with Coyle and Granlund down the middle as #1 & #2, it's possible they would try to trade Koivu. But that can't be established right now.

I'd say any deal with Edmonton where Koivu is involved, the framework is going to need to include Klefbom and possibly another quality defensive prospect. But I'm not sure I see these teams as good trading partners.
- Chinaski

At present I whole heartedly agree with this take. Wild do not need to get worse defensively, they need to get better offensively. So unless a deal with Edmonton is going to bring back someone like Nugent Hopkins, I don't think the Wild gain enough with the loss of someone like Koivu. Gagner is decent, but the Wild would lose a very good 2 way player and top face off man while gaining what would amount to another 2nd line at best centerman with far less skill at the face off dot and defensive play.