Wild signs Mikko Koivu to 7-year, US$47-mil. deal

Captain Mikko Koivu signed a seven-year, US$47.25 million contract extension on Thursday, keeping the versatile center with the team through the 2017-18 season.

The Wild weren't about to let Koivu get that far, and the 27-year-old Finland native was quite happy to stay with the team that took him in the first round in 2001, one draft after Gaborik.

Fletcher went so far as to call this deal a “monumental signing” and an “historic day” for the franchise. Koivu, picked as the Wild's first permanent captain last October, had 22 goals and 49 assists last season. In addition to being a leader in the locker room, Koivu is arguably their best offensive player and best defensive forward.

Reached on a conference call with local reporters, Koivu — at 2:30 a.m. local time in Finland — called himself “a lucky guy” and said he was “very excited to work for this contract.” He didn't want to play the season with uncertainty about his status.

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