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Minnesota Wild: Top 3 players they should trade at the deadline

By Dave Stevenson

SAINT PAUL, MN - DECEMBER 31: Ryan Suter #20 celebrates his goal with teammates Mikko Koivu #9, Jared Spurgeon #46 and Kevin Fiala #22 of the Minnesota Wild against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the game at the Xcel Energy Center on December 31, 2019 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)
SAINT PAUL, MN - DECEMBER 31: Ryan Suter #20 celebrates his goal with teammates Mikko Koivu #9, Jared Spurgeon #46 and Kevin Fiala #22 of the Minnesota Wild against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the game at the Xcel Energy Center on December 31, 2019 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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2. Mikko Koivu

Cap hit: $5.5 million

Term: UFA after the 2019-20 season

Clauses: Full no-movement clause

This will be a tough one for the Minnesota Wild. Mikko Koivu is arguably the greatest player in franchise history. He’s their all-time leader in games played, assists, points, and plus-minus. Additionally, Koivu is second in career goals, trailing only the eternally underappreciated Marian Gaborik. He has also been their captain since the start of the 2008-09 season and was the second first-round pick in franchise history.

It’s never easy to trade someone like Koivu. When you think of the Wild, he’s the first player who comes to mind. Koivu has never known another franchise, as the Wild are the only NHL team he has ever played for.

However, it’s clear they won’t be contending this year. The Wild owe it to Koivu to at least ask him if he’d like to be traded. And since he has a no-movement clause, they’d have to do that to trade him anyway.

A Stanley Cup would be the crowning achievement of Koivu’s career. It might even get him into the Hall of Fame conversation. Koivu might not be as good as he once was, as he has just 13 points in 34 games. But he’s still capable of providing the kind of leadership contenders look for this time of the season.

Potential Fits

The Oilers would make sense, as Koivu could help them end their revolving door of third-line centers. Though the Colorado Avalanche are likely searching for a bigger fish in the trade market pond, he’d make a bit of sense for them as well since they have so much cap space and they could use a veteran leader.

Koivu seems like the kind of player who Barry Trotz loves. He works hard, is reliable in his own zone, and can chip in some offense. The New York Islanders might kick the tires on him, though the Wild would likely have to retain some salary, especially if the Isles acquire a defenseman to replace Adam Pelech.

This isn’t a likely destination, but boy, wouldn’t it be awesome if the Montreal Canadiens traded for Koivu? His brother Saku Koivu is a legend in Montreal. I’m a sucker for a really good narrative and the Habs trading for Mikko Koivu would be one heck of a narrative.

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