Coach Bruce Boudreau hinted after Saturday's game against the Flames that the plan is for Koivu to return Tuesday versus the Sharks, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Koivu has missed four straight contests after suffering a knee injury against the Flames on Dec. 6, but that run of absences appears set to come to an end in the near future. The team should confirm the veteran's status closer to game day, but his 21 points in 27 games will certainly be welcomed for a Wild club that's gone 2-2-0 without him.

Koivu (knee) will not play Saturday against the Flames, Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Minnesota's captain was a no-go for pregame warmups, but the fact that his status came down to the wire suggests that he may be ready to go by the time Tuesday's home clash with the Sharks rolls around. Aside from this injury, Koivu has been in vintage form this season, having produced four goals and 21 points -- including a goal and seven helpers on the man advantage -- through 27 contests.

Koivu (knee) is considered a game-time decision Saturday versus the Flames, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Koivu didn't practice Wednesday and sat out Thursday against the Panthers, so his game-time decision designation is at least an interesting development. The veteran winger has missed three straight games due to the knee issue, but he's been an impactful presence on the box score when healthy. Through 27 games played, Koivu has racked up four goals and 17 assists, putting him on pace to near his career-best 49 if he can return soon.

Koivu (knee) will sit out Thursday's home game against the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Koivu reportedly is scheduled to meet with team doctors after the captain skated Thursday morning. The Finn's status has been upgraded since initial reports suggested that he could miss multiple weeks with the injury, but we wouldn't expect a concrete timetable for his return until Koivu has a chance to meet with the doctors.

Koivu (knee) won't practice Wednesday, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Koivu skated on his own prior to Wednesday's practice, so he's definitely making progress in his recovery, but at this point he should probably be considered questionable at best for Thursday's game against the Panthers. If he's unable to go against Florida, the veteran forward will have to wait for Saturday's matchup with the Flames for his next opportunity to return to game action.

Koivu will sit out Tuesday's game versus the Canadiens, Jessi Pierce of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The prognosis on Koivu is far better than initially thought, with the forward expected to miss only a few games as opposed to multiple weeks. Minnesota's captain won't go versus the Canadiens but could return Thursday against Florida, or possibly Saturday versus the Flames. The team is hoping he isn't out for long.

Koivu is considered day-to-day with a left knee injury, Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Initial reports suggested Koivu would be out three weeks, but those estimations were incorrect and it's now being reported that the 35-year-old is day-to-day. While it's unlikely he plays against Montreal on Tuesday, the veteran center could return Thursday or Saturday. This is very good news for Koivu's owners who had been preparing for him to miss an extended period. Be sure to monitor his on-ice participation over the coming days, as that will tell us how close he is to returning to game action.

Koivu could be held out for three weeks with a sprained MCL and hamstring injury, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Wild have yet to corroborate the extensive return timeline for Koivu, but it seems like only a matter of time before an official announcement is made since The Athletic has the inside scoop on the situation and Luke Kunin was summoned from AHL Iowa. Koivu, who sustained a knee-on-knee hit from Mark Giordano of the Flames in Thursday's road game, traveled back to Minnesota Friday to be examined further.

Koivu will return to Minnesota from Calgary to be evaluated by the Wild's doctors, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Koivu was the victim of a knee-on-knee hit from the Flames' Mark Giordano, who has been suspended to games for his actions. No timeline for Koivu's return has been laid out, and Nino Niederreiter will likely bump up to the top six for the time being.

Koivu (lower body) won't play Friday against Edmonton, NHL.com's Derek Van Diest reports.

EDGE Analysis

Minnesota hasn't released any details regarding a potential timetable for Koivu's recovery, but the veteran forward could be facing a long-term absence after taking a nasty knee-on-knee hit from Calgary's Mark Giordano during Thursday's 2-0 loss to the Flames. With Koivu on the mend, Nino Niederreiter is expected to slide into a top-six role against the Oilers.