Mikko Koivu Retires from the NHL

The Columbus Blue Jackets and the NHL have lost one of the good guys as it's been announced Mikko Koivu will be retiring from the NHL.

#CBJ C Mikko Koivu has announced his retirement.

More info with quotes from Mikko and Jarmo: https://t.co/PZ7fD8rrzQ

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) February 9, 2021

The 37-year-old long time Minnesota Wild signed a one-year deal with Columbus this past offseason. In seven games this season he finished with two points. Koivu played 1035 career NHL games and recorded 206 goals, 505 assists and 28 more points in 59 playoff games.

The news comes as a shock to everyone around the NHL.

As per the NHL:

This was not an easy decision for me as I have loved every minute of my short time in Columbus and really hoped to be able to help this team accomplish its goals this season, but the bottom line is I haven't been able to get to the level of play that I need to be true to myself and fair to my teammates, so the time is right for me to retire from hockey. I have been extremely blessed and I am eternally grateful to the Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets organizations for the opportunities they have given me to live out my dreams of playing in the National Hockey League for the past 16 years.

 Photo credit:  Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire