Koivu announced his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

In his statement, Koivu stated that he wasn't 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." Koivu played 15 seasons for the Wild before signing with the Blue Jackets last offseason, suiting up in just seven games for the latter team. In total, the Finnish center produced 206 goals and 505 assists over 1,035 games.

Koivu recorded an assist on his first shift as a Blue Jacket during Tuesday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran center had a delayed start to the season due to a positive COVID-19 test, but Koivu was able to make a contribution right away once he was cleared to play. The Jackets need center depth with Pierre-Luc Dubois now in Winnipeg, but Koivu is still highly unlikely to fill a top-six role at this stage of his career.

Koivu (COVID-19 protocols) will make his Blue Jackets debut Tuesday against the Panthers, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports.

EDGE Analysis

Koivu has been sidelined for Columbus' first five games of the campaign due to the NHL's COVID-19 protocols, and he'll miss Saturday's game against Tampa Bay as well, but he'll make his season debut Tuesday against Florida. The 37-year-old pivot, who tallied 21 points in 55 games with Minnesota last campaign, will likely slot into a bottom-six role against the Panthers.

Koivu is unavailable due to the league's COVID-19 protocols.

EDGE Analysis

It was reported earlier Wednesday that Koivu was set to miss Thursday's game against Nashville, and he's now had that absence clarified. It's unclear when Koivu will gain clearance, but he won't be able to practice or travel with the team for now. Expect Riley Nash to center the fourth line with Alexandre Texier taking over the third-line center spot.

Koivu (undisclosed) won't play in Thursday's season opener against the Predators, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran center was brought in this offseason from Minnesota to bolster Columbus' depth up the middle, but Koivu apparently isn't ready to make his Jackets debut just yet. Riley Nash will center the fourth line Thursday, with Alexandre Texier anchoring the third line. in Koivu's place.

Koivu (undisclosed) practiced with the team Sunday, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports.

EDGE Analysis

After being unfit to participate Saturday, Koivu is back in action Sunday. The 37-year-old is with a team other than Minnesota for the first time since entering the league in 2005. He's seeking a third-line role with the Blue Jacket after posting a career-low 21 points over 55 games last year.

Koivu (undisclosed) has been deemed unfit to participate in Saturday's practice, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Koivu was one of many Columbus players held out of practice Friday "out of an abundance of caution" related to COVID-19, but the Blue Jackets likely won't be releasing any details regarding the reason for Saturday's absence. Additional updates regarding the veteran pivot's status should surface in the coming days.

Koivu signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Blue Jackets on Saturday, Rick Dhaliwal of TSN 1040 Vancouver reports.

EDGE Analysis

Koivu was a legend in Minnesota, racking up 709 points over 1,028 games and adding another 28 points over 59 postseason contests. The Wild are rebuilding and moving on from their captain, so Koivu will get a fresh start in Columbus. He'll likely slot in as the third-line center with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Max Domi handling top-six duties, but the 37-year-old could earn some power-play minutes as well. Koivu posted a career-low 21 points over 55 games last season, and if he indeed stays in the bottom six, his fantasy outlook is low.

General manager Bill Guerin announced Friday that the Wild will not re-sign Koivu this offseason.

EDGE Analysis

Guerin made it clear that injecting youth into Minnesota's lineup will be a priority this offseason when he traded Eric Staal to Buffalo in exchange for Marcus Johansson on Wednesday, so the fact that he won't attempt to re-sign Koivu doesn't really come as a surprise. The 37-year-old pivot probably won't garner much interest on the open market, so if he wants to continue playing, he may have to do so in his native Finland. If Koivu has indeed played his last NHL contest, he'll finish his career having racked up 205 goals and 504 assists in 1,028 games, all with the Wild.

Koivu would consider playing in his native Finland if he doesn't have any NHL options this summer, per Michael Russo of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

Koivu is set to hit the free-agent market this summer and is 37 years of age, so the idea of him hanging it up in the NHL certainly isn't out of left field. The veteran was limited to just 55 games this year, in part due to injury, and recorded his lowest point total (21) since his rookie season back in 2005-06. If the center is willing to accept a significantly reduced cap hit compared to the $5.5 million he cost Minnesota this season, there could be a handful of teams interested in signing him.