Despite undergoing surgery to repair his ACL injury at the age of 35, Minnesota Wild’s captain Mikko Koivu doesn’t have any doubts he will be able to return to the ice next season.
Koivu, who played his 14th NHL season this year, was recently asked how confident he is in returning to Wild in 2019-20 season at the age of 36.
“Yes, I’m totally confident. I think those are just numbers,” – Koivu responded. “I think it’s about your effort, the way you take care of yourself on and off the ice, and at the end, it’s going to be a battle. But if you’re strong enough, you’re going to be able to do it.”
Mikko Koivu was on pace to have another strong season, having eight goals and 21 assists in 48 games, before tearing his ACL in a game against Buffalo Sabres on February 5th. The injury ruled him out for the season, while he also could miss the start of the next one as well considering that the recovery process is longer with older athletes.
Still, Koivu believes that he could beat the odds and return in time for the training camp.
“I think it’s too early to talk about it too much, but that’s definitely my goal,” – he added.
Mikko Koivu spent his entire NHL career with Minnesota Wild, who drafted him 6th overall in 2001. He became the first permanent captain in the history of the franchise in 2009 and currently holds several franchise records. Koivu has one All-Star selection to his name.
