With the Wild not resigning Mikko Koivu...

[JayfromNB1219]

The guy is proven and on the back 9 of his career...if the money was right and he accepted the role he'd be given (3rd line)
would we have any issues with this possibility...let's be honest it's a LONGSHOT and maybe 1% chance of happening but if it were to happen...what do you think?

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[A1LeafNation]

He is very slow.

I wouldn't bring him in for more than a million. We need to be able to bury deals if needed.

 

[Dreakmur]

The guy is proven and on the back 9 of his career...if the money was right and he accepted the role he'd be given (3rd line)
would we have any issues with this possibility...let's be honest it's a LONGSHOT and maybe 1% chance of happening but if it were to happen...what do you think?

A few years ago, yeah, but he seems to have dropped off a cliff the last two years. It would be a big gamble that he just had two bad years instead of him getting old.

 

[Al14]

Not a chance... there are better options out there.

 

[Morgs]

I'd rather Spezza.

 

[LeafGrief]

Should we have a megathread for all the old and busted guys we might sign for league minimum?

 

[Menzinger]

I'd have no issue if he'd sign a 1 year cheap deal. His defensive metrics are always excellent (a need for the team)

But I think he will retire.

 

[Mickey Marner]

I'd have no issue if he'd sign a 1 year cheap deal. His defensive metrics are always excellent (a need for the team)

But I think he will retire.

As likely the only person here who actually watches the Wild, do you think he's better than Spezza currently?

 

[Menzinger]

As likely the only person here who actually watches the Wild, do you think he's better than Spezza currently?

Better Defensively, but Spezza has the better puck skills.

If I was forced to choose I'd say Koivu has the slight edge beacuse he can handle more ice time.

 

[moon111]

Definitely wouldn't overpay Koivu with salary or ice-time. But if the guy wants to 'Spezza' on the fourth line, you take it.
Even if Leafs aren't really contenders for next season having Koivu sets a tone. At what cost? Lost ice-time for Gauthier?
That's a price I'm willing to pay. But maybe I'm bias since part of my family named Koivu went from Finland to
Minnesota and then into Ontario. Never under appreciate players that can see nothing accomplished on the ice for both teams.

 

[The CyNick]

Need good penalty killers

 

[Stephen]

At this point, it's debatable whether Mikko or Saku would be the more effective brother.

 

[bodechek]

would rather have the money spent on a defense man on the right side

 

[Gabriel426]

Don’t see the down side of having him at Spezza’s contract.
Spezza, Simmonds and Mikko at 850k each.
imagine Marleau and Jumbo at 850k each too.
Thats 5 of our bottom 6 for next season.

 

[moon111]

When was the last time the Leafs had a full-time 3rd or 4th line center that could kill penalties?

 

[Once]

When was the last time the Leafs had a full-time 3rd or 4th line center that could kill penalties?

Jay Mc and the blue bombers.

 

[VanW27]

When was the last time the Leafs had a full-time 3rd or 4th line center that could kill penalties?

This is an issue we've had the last few years that doesn't get talked about much. 3rd and 4th liners need to be able to PK, especially the centers.

 

[TMLegend]

Would be a better fit than Spezza. Doubt Dubas sees it that way tho with his "muh skill" mentality.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

Would be a better fit than Spezza. Doubt Dubas sees it that way tho with his "muh skill" mentality.

it makes zero sense to criticize Dubas for signing Spezza to a 1 year deal at league minimum after the season he just had, but go off I guess

 

[kb]

When was the last time the Leafs had a full-time 3rd or 4th line center that could kill penalties?

Kerfoot now.

 

[ViewsFromThe6ix]

At a league minimum, absolutely. Still elite defensively.

 

[ViewsFromThe6ix]

Not a chance... there are better options out there.

He's still really good defensively, as a 4C, can't do much better for league min.

 

[ToneDog]

Nill gave Pavelski, Perry and another vet dman credit for getting their team over the hump after losing to the Blues in the WCF last year. This team could use another impactful vet or two. Not saying Spezza did not help but we could use another vet that can play higher up in the lineup and on D. Doubt Koivu is that guy.

 

[TOGuy14]

Our first two lines are stacked and should be playing 20+ mins a night offensively.

We need some quality defensive guys to take draws, kill penalties and soak up a few minutes without hurting us in our own end.

Would love to add a vet leader like Koivu as our 3C

 

[Menzinger]

Nill gave Pavelski, Perry and another vet dman credit for getting their team over the hump after losing to the Blues in the WCF last year. This team could use another impactful vet or two. Not saying Spezza did not help but we could use another vet that can play higher up in the lineup and on D. Doubt Koivu is that guy.

Koivu got around 15min average a night worth of icetime last season, which would put him comfortably within 3rdnline territory on the Leafs with Matthews/Tavares/Nylander able to cover top 6 centre duties