3 Cheap Free Agents the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Sign

2 of 3

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 05: Mikko Koivu #9 of the Minnesota Wild looks on during the game against the Calgary Flames at Xcel Energy Center on January 5, 2020 in St Paul, Minnesota. The Flames defeated the Wild 5-4 in a shootout. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

2. Mikko Koivu – 37 years old – C

2019-20 stats – 55 GP – 4 G – 17 A – 21 PTS

Career stats – 1028 GP – 205 G – 504 A – 709 PTS

Koivu, who recently was told he wouldn’t be offered a contract extension from the Minnesota Wild this off-season, will hit the free agent market on October 9th along with a ton of other players. Koivu has played in over 1000 NHL games throughout his career is still a decent top 9 player on any given team, in my opinion.

He has had seven 50 point seasons with hitting the 60 point mark twice and the 70 point mark once. He was never known as a superstar but he is a reliable player who will chip in on the offensive side of things and is also a great defensive player as well.

The Leafs seem like a team who could use a defensive specialist, and Koivu fits the bill. Despite his age and lack of offense, Koivu is still a useful player who remains among the NHL’s best defensive players. As an former captain, his presence couldn’t hurt the young Toronto Maple Leafs, and he most likely would be available at a decent cap hit.

If the Leafs can’t get a deal done with Jason Spezza, Koivu would be a very nice alternative. In fact, even if they do bring back Spezza, Mikko Koivu would be an excellent depth addition to their team.

Home/Maple Leafs News