Tony Dean: WildHBcommunity: Huge Disappointment For Koivu Huge Expectations of Parise

Nice video, that last clip with 5 seconds left in the 1980 game vs Soviets always seems to choke me up a bit. So thankful I was old enough to see it live and remember it like it was yesterday.


Couldn't agree more in regards to Koivu. Class guy and definitely one of those players that most fans really underestimate what he brings to a team and to the game. As you stated, very much taken for granted here in Minnesota. Mikko is a highly coveted player in the NHL, more so than Wild fans know. I do feel bad for him but for obvious and selfish reasons, am glad he'll be @100% after the olympic break.

I think Zach will more than prove himself worthy of the team USA captain C when it's all said and done. Team USA certainly has a chance but it's crazy to think that team Canada doesn't have the outright advantage skill wise.

Nice video, that last clip with 5 seconds left in the 1980 game vs Soviets always seems to choke me up a bit. So thankful I was old enough to see it live and remember it like it was yesterday.


Couldn't agree more in regards to Koivu. Class guy and definitely one of those players that most fans really underestimate what he brings to a team and to the game. As you stated, very much taken for granted here in Minnesota. Mikko is a highly coveted player in the NHL, more so than Wild fans know. I do feel bad for him but for obvious and selfish reasons, am glad he'll be @100% after the olympic break.

I think Zach will more than prove himself worthy of the team USA captain C when it's all said and done. Team USA certainly has a chance but it's crazy to think that team Canada doesn't have the outright advantage skill wise.
- MnGump

USA USA USA USA USA Miracle on Ice 2 in Russia just you wait!

Couldn't agree more in regards to Koivu. Class guy and definitely one of those players that most fans really underestimate what he brings to a team and to the game. As you stated, very much taken for granted here in Minnesota. Mikko is a highly coveted player in the NHL, more so than Wild fans know. I do feel bad for him but for obvious and selfish reasons, am glad he'll be @100% after the olympic break.

- MnGump

Yes, sir. I agree with you, sir. Well put.

Nice video, that last clip with 5 seconds left in the 1980 game vs Soviets always seems to choke me up a bit. So thankful I was old enough to see it live and remember it like it was yesterday.


Couldn't agree more in regards to Koivu. Class guy and definitely one of those players that most fans really underestimate what he brings to a team and to the game. As you stated, very much taken for granted here in Minnesota. Mikko is a highly coveted player in the NHL, more so than Wild fans know. I do feel bad for him but for obvious and selfish reasons, am glad he'll be @100% after the olympic break.

I think Zach will more than prove himself worthy of the team USA captain C when it's all said and done. Team USA certainly has a chance but it's crazy to think that team Canada doesn't have the outright advantage skill wise.
- MnGump

Wouldn't rip on him as much if he didn't make nearly $7mil/yr and could stay healthy but those things are beyond his control I suppose.
He's definitely one of those players that the fans would truly miss what they had if he ended up on another team. Having said that, I think some teams would give up a significant haul for him and I wouldn't be opposed to it. But if he stays, Fletch needs to continue to surround him with scorers, because he is not that guy.

Wouldn't rip on him as much if he didn't make nearly $7mil/yr and could stay healthy but those things are beyond his control I suppose.
He's definitely one of those players that the fans would truly miss what they had if he ended up on another team. Having said that, I think some teams would give up a significant haul for him and I wouldn't be opposed to it. But if he stays, Fletch needs to continue to surround him with scorers, because he is not that guy.
- SotaPopinski

It's no secret in this circle of Wild fans that I'm a big Mikko guy, but after seeing how well the team has done without him this time... I truly think it would behoove Fletcher to find out just what kind of deal he could get for him.

One would think a team like Edmonton would be a great fit for Koivu. That team is so lacking in defensive and 2 way forwards it's not even funny.

What kind of return would be acceptable trading Koivu to a team like Edmonton? Yakupov? Probably no way they'd do a straight up player for player trade given the hype around Yaks, but would he be an acceptable return as the main piece? Or maybe Eberle?

It's no secret in this circle of Wild fans that I'm a big Mikko guy, but after seeing how well the team has done without him this time... I truly think it would behoove Fletcher to find out just what kind of deal he could get for him.

One would think a team like Edmonton would be a great fit for Koivu. That team is so lacking in defensive and 2 way forwards it's not even funny.

What kind of return would be acceptable trading Koivu to a team like Edmonton? Yakupov? Probably no way they'd do a straight up player for player trade given the hype around Yaks, but would he be an acceptable return as the main piece? Or maybe Eberle?
- MnGump

I'd take Eberle, but that leaves us thin at center.

It's no secret in this circle of Wild fans that I'm a big Mikko guy, but after seeing how well the team has done without him this time... I truly think it would behoove Fletcher to find out just what kind of deal he could get for him.

One would think a team like Edmonton would be a great fit for Koivu. That team is so lacking in defensive and 2 way forwards it's not even funny.

What kind of return would be acceptable trading Koivu to a team like Edmonton? Yakupov? Probably no way they'd do a straight up player for player trade given the hype around Yaks, but would he be an acceptable return as the main piece? Or maybe Eberle?
- MnGump

Koivu such a hard trade to anywhere because you have to get back a Center in any deal. I would personally want RNH and Yakupov which would require a massive package. Wild Centers in the pipeline are Phillips and Graovac are not close. Granlund, RNH, Brodziak, Haula would be good down the middle but Maybe Not better than having Koivu.

Koivu such a hard trade to anywhere because you have to get back a Center in any deal. I would personally want RNH and Yakupov which would require a massive package. Wild Centers in the pipeline are Phillips and Graovac are not close. Granlund, RNH, Brodziak, Haula would be good down the middle but Maybe Not better than having Koivu.
- Tony Dean

Brodziak

It's no secret in this circle of Wild fans that I'm a big Mikko guy, but after seeing how well the team has done without him this time... I truly think it would behoove Fletcher to find out just what kind of deal he could get for him.

One would think a team like Edmonton would be a great fit for Koivu. That team is so lacking in defensive and 2 way forwards it's not even funny.

What kind of return would be acceptable trading Koivu to a team like Edmonton? Yakupov? Probably no way they'd do a straight up player for player trade given the hype around Yaks, but would he be an acceptable return as the main piece? Or maybe Eberle?
- MnGump

As Dean pointed out, Wild would have to get a C in return... and that makes any sort of trade nearly impossible. There just are not a ton of great centers, and any that are worth a damn are locked up and would take more than Koivu to acquire. Seguin would have been awesome but that ship has sailed. I think the Wild has to hold onto him for now, which isn't the worst thing.

As Dean pointed out, Wild would have to get a C in return... and that makes any sort of trade nearly impossible. There just are not a ton of great centers, and any that are worth a damn are locked up and would take more than Koivu to acquire. Seguin would have been awesome but that ship has sailed. I think the Wild has to hold onto him for now, which isn't the worst thing.
- SotaPopinski

I doubt Ryan Nugent-Hopkins would be made available but that would be the only player besides Taylor Hall that would makes sense in exchange for Koivu

I doubt Ryan Nugent-Hopkins would be made available but that would be the only player besides Taylor Hall that would makes sense in exchange for Koivu
- Tony Dean

RNH isn't enough, and I don't think EDM would give up much more...who knows.
Do you know if Koivu has any sort of no trade clause? I'd imagine he would be less than thrilled going to Edmonton. No offense Oiler fans, he's just made it clear that winning is priority #1 and he is 30 years old now. Don't think he'd enjoy going to a rebuild

RNH isn't enough, and I don't think EDM would give up much more...who knows.
Do you know if Koivu has any sort of no trade clause? I'd imagine he would be less than thrilled going to Edmonton. No offense Oiler fans, he's just made it clear that winning is priority #1 and he is 30 years old now. Don't think he'd enjoy going to a rebuild
- SotaPopinski

Koivu has a no move cause. A no-move clause means a player cannot be traded, waived for a claim by another team, or assigned to the minors without his consent. This does not protect the player from a buyout.

Koivu has a no move cause. A no-move clause means a player cannot be traded, waived for a claim by another team, or assigned to the minors without his consent. This does not protect the player from a buyout.
- KxKodiak47

and to add : Backstrom also has a modified no trade/move cause. Limited and modified NTCs and NMCs simply mean the player's contract includes specific terms for the clauses, usually allowing the player to specify a no-trade list of undesireable teams or a trade list of desireable teams.

Koivu has a no move cause. A no-move clause means a player cannot be traded, waived for a claim by another team, or assigned to the minors without his consent. This does not protect the player from a buyout.
- KxKodiak47

Thank you

Thank you
- SotaPopinski

Of the Canadian teams that could be a suitor for Koivu I would think Montreal could be best fit. They also have the right pieces for it to make sense for both teams. Koivu is here to stay though. Gotta keep fingers crossed Backstrom draws interest at deadline or this summer. Zucker probably gets shipped at draft or this summer. Maybe Dumba is in play as well. Oloffson has burst on the scene although Flahr is a genius so he knew like he did on so many others. Maybe Fontaine will be available as well. Random Thoughts.

Not gunna lie, a big part of me is disappointed that Mikko won't be playing, but I a small part is happy. GO USA! not finland

Not gunna lie, a big part of me is disappointed that Mikko won't be playing, but I a small part is happy. GO USA! not finland
- Tweaterben

Koivu has to be devastated as he is such a proud Finn and was FINALLY going to take over as Captain after years of it being Saku. Granlund will be playing Wing on their Top Line. Nino will also be playing Wing on Swiss Top Line. Huge feature for those young guys!


I have stated USA wins gold all over so why not here again!

Of the Canadian teams that could be a suitor for Koivu I would think Montreal could be best fit. They also have the right pieces for it to make sense for both teams. Koivu is here to stay though. Gotta keep fingers crossed Backstrom draws interest at deadline or this summer. Zucker probably gets shipped at draft or this summer. Maybe Dumba is in play as well. Oloffson has burst on the scene although Flahr is a genius so he knew like he did on so many others. Maybe Fontaine will be available as well. Random Thoughts.
- Tony Dean

I don't know if Koivu would want to go to Montreal. He'd be living in his brothers shadow.

I don't know if Koivu would want to go to Montreal. He'd be living in his brothers shadow.
- KxKodiak47

Maybe The Maple Leafs then?

Maybe The Maple Leafs then?
- Tony Dean

but for who? Nazem Kadri ....we certainly know it wouldn't be for Kessel or JVR

but for who? Nazem Kadri ....we certainly know it wouldn't be for Kessel or JVR
- KxKodiak47

JVR!!!!