Koivu's game has 'C' written all over it

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Mikko Koivu

The Wild center was heartily endorsed as the team's first full-time captain.

By RACHEL BLOUNT, Star Tribune

Last update: October 21, 2009 - 4:18 PM

As he pondered who should become the Wild's first permanent captain, coach Todd Richards expected Mikko Koivu to make a strong case for himself. The Wild center cemented that impression one day at practice, as he prepared to do a one-on-one drill.

Defenseman Brent Burns lined up against Koivu and fixed his gaze on him. "I told Mikko, 'Burnsie's going to take you,''' Richards recalled. "He just put his head down and said, 'Bring it on.'"

While that particular moment stuck with Richards, he put the "C'' on Koivu's jersey Tuesday because of a hundred others just like it. Koivu, 26, already had built himself into a team leader through his relentless competitive drive and a commitment to excellence that shines through every shift, every drill, every day. After asking for -- and receiving -- the blessing of older teammates, the young star accepted a role he seemed destined to take.

Koivu's full-time status ends the system of rotating captains the Wild has used in every season. The alternate captains will continue to rotate, with six players sharing the duties: defensemen Nick Schultz, Kim Johnsson and Greg Zanon, and forwards Andrew Brunette, Owen Nolan and Martin Havlat.

"It's a great honor,'' said Koivu, whose brother Saku was a longtime captain of the Montreal Canadiens. "I'm proud of it. And in the State of Hockey, with all the fans and how people feel about it, that makes it even more special for me.

"The best way to lead is by example, and that's what I'm trying to do: play the game the way I'm used to playing, the way I've always played.''

Koivu is well respected by teammates for that brand of leadership. He was delighted the first time he was named captain a year ago, and his pride in the job showed during the four months he held the position last season. Koivu led the Wild in scoring and helped forge a 31-19-6 record during his captaincy.

Richards announced in September that he would choose only one captain this season, and he would take his time in doing so. Given the responsibility that comes with the position -- talking to referees and the media, serving as liaison between players and coaches, setting a standard for teammates -- Richards wanted to observe his candidates in action to ensure he got it right.

He already had received a glowing recommendation for Koivu, courtesy of San Jose coach Todd McLellan. McLellan coached Koivu for one season with the Wild's minor-league affiliate in Houston, and when Richards left the San Jose staff to become the Wild coach, McLellan lauded Koivu as a player and as a person. Over the past several weeks, Richards saw those qualities firsthand.

"Mikko shows up every single night,'' he said. "He's very focused, very disciplined. And the best thing about him is he's very, very passionate about playing the game.

"He goes out every shift determined to win his battles. When you watch the way he practices and plays the game, there are lots of other players like that, but Mikko takes it to another level.''

Koivu, who led the Wild last season in points (67) and assists (47), absorbed lessons from many mentors. In Houston, he admired Aeros captain Kirby Law. During his early seasons with the Wild, he took note of how veteran forward Brian Rolston conducted himself on and off the ice. Brother Saku became another role model, as did Brunette and Nolan.

When Richards offered him the captain's post, Koivu first wanted to ensure Brunette, Nolan and other veterans were on board. Their endorsement gave him confidence, he said, and he plans to seek their input and advice throughout the season.

His coach simply wants him to keep doing what he does so well. "Mikko was given the "C" because of the type of person and player he is and what he represents,'' Richards said. "We're not asking him to do anything special or change in any way, just be himself. If we get that from him, he's going to be a great captain for us.''

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