Koivu says he knew it was time to call it a career

Like all huge life decisions, it slowly but surely began to feel like the right thing to do.
And like many of those decisions, once he said it out loud, it was like a weight was lifted.
That happened this morning for Mikko Koivu when the NHL veteran met with Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. Even though he has played just seven games in a CBJ sweater, the subject on Koivu's mind was retirement, and he left his conversation with the team's brain trust feeling as though it was, in fact, the correct decision.

"They were both very supportive, so that kind of gave me the peace of mind that the decision was right for me," said Koivu, who then
announced that retirement
later Tuesday afternoon after 16 NHL seasons. "I am grateful for the chance that they gave me. I had an opportunity to come in and experience something new with a great team, great teammates. The way they run their organization and everything about it, it's been a great experience.
"But that was for me, once I had a really good talk with them, after that I kind of felt like the peace on my mind and felt that it was the right thing to do for myself."
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The thoughts began to circulate through the mind of the 37-year-old center as the season has gone on. There was excitement in October when he signed with Columbus after 15 years with Minnesota, where he left as the franchise's leader in games played, goals and points. But his start to the season was delayed by being on the COVID protocol list, with Koivu missing the team's first six games.
Once he did get on the ice, he quickly notched a goal and an assist in his first two games back, but those were his only points in seven games. Koivu was a healthy scratch for last night's game vs. Carolina, and as he weighed over the options in his mind, he came to the realization Monday evening that it was time to call it a career in a sport that gets younger and faster every day.

"Every game was kind of like I had to push to get ready, and then I just couldn't get into the rhythm," he said. "I just didn't feel the way I want to feel as a hockey player and being also able to enjoy the game."
Koivu also said he made the decision with respect for a Columbus team that has a glut of forwards and has been trying to find a consistent lineup and playing time down the middle for such promising youngsters as Kevin Stenlund and Alexandre Texier. And despite spending only a short time with Columbus, Koivu said he enjoyed the experience of joining the organization.
PHOTO GALLERY: Koivu's career through the lens
"I just want to be very clear with that," he said. "The room and my teammates, the coaching staff, the management has just been first class. That's the sad part -- I really enjoyed my time with them and enjoyed my time in the room and playing with those guys, playing for Tortorella and his coaching staff. That all was just an unbelievable experience for myself after so many years in Minnesota.
"It really just came down to the feeling that I had on the ice. I just wasn't able to get to the level that I want to play at and being able to help the team to win."

The brother of fellow longtime NHLer Saku Koivu, Mikko was Minnesota's first-round pick and the sixth overall choice in the 2001 NHL draft. The Turku, Finland, native didn't debut until the 2005-06 season but it didn't take him long to become a fixture with the Wild, as he grew into one of the most consistent players in the game and an annual presence in the voting for the Selke Trophy that goes to the league's best defensive forward each season.
That's not to say he couldn't score, though, as Koivu racked up 709 points (205 goals, 504 assists) in 1,028 games in Minnesota, with career highs of 22 goals and 71 points in 2009-10 and seven seasons of 50 or more points. Known for his determination, leadership and hatred of losing, Koivu was named the first-ever full-time captain of the Wild at the start of that 2009-10 season and wore the "C" for the rest of his Minnesota career.
Koivu was also a staple on Finnish national teams throughout his career, playing in the Olympics in 2006 and 2010 and serving as longtime captain of the national team, including on the 2011 squad that won the IIHF World Championship.
"I don't think there is one moment or anything like that," he said when asked about memories from his career that stand out. "Obviously the short time here now is on the top of my mind with the teammates and things like that. Minnesota just really became home for me, and the way I was always treated there by the fans, the organization, my teammates and all that. And also Team Finland, the great memories with them.
"As of right now, I think I look back at how much I got from the game of hockey, the people involved and things like that. I think that's something that I really appreciate. I'm sure looking back in the next couple of weeks, you are starting to realize how special it really was."
Koivu said he'd like to stay involved in the game of hockey, but his immediate future will include some time to relax and figure out what his next move will be. While his Columbus experience has been cut short, he leaves the team and the sport comfortable he gave it one final run in union blue.
"Knowing that I gave it all, it's time to let go as a hockey player for me," Koivu said. "I don't think I would get this feeling if I didn't come and try (to play with Columbus), but in the end I need to be honest with myself as well."