Saku Koivu played 18 years in the NHL. He compiled 255 goals, 577 assists, and 832 points in 1,124 career games played. He spent 13 years in Montreal with the Canadiens and finished his career by playing 332 games for the Anaheim Ducks across five seasons.
His brother Mikko, played 16 years in the NHL all mainly with the Wild. The long-time Wild captain recorded 205 goals, 504 assists, and 709 points in 1,028 career games with Minnesota.
After his contract expired, Koivu signed a deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets where he played in seven games to start the 2020-21 season but eventually retired. He had one goal and one assist in those seven games.
Koivu, 41, is the Wild's franchise leader in games played, assists, points, and shots. He served as the Wild's captain for 12 of the 15 seasons he played in Minnesota. His number nine is the only number to be retired by the Wild so far.
His brother Saku's kid is a projected pick for this year's upcoming draft. Aatos Koivu is projected to go between rounds three and four. The Wild don't currently have a third round pick, they traded that pick to the Washington Capitals a year ago for Marcus Johansson at the deadline.
The Wild have a first round pick (13), a second round pick (45), fourth round pick (110), two fifths (140, 142), and one six round pick (174).
Aatos played in the U20 SM-Sarja league this year where he recorded 16 goals and 31 points in 28 games. He also appeared in four Liiga games with TPS.
The 6-foot center plays smart defensively, like his father and uncle, and has a strong shot. If the Wild make a trade and acquire a third round pick, Aatos could be an option. This wouldn't just be a pick because he is Mikko's nephew, Aatos is a pretty good prospect.
Should the Wild try and draft Aatos? Tell us here.
