Koivu was 24 years old the first time he played in a postseason. Now at 37, he understands that he's closer to the end of his career than he is the beginning, and that these opportunities are increasingly difficult to come by.
For a guy who desperately wants to win a Stanley Cup, he knows the number of chances to do just that is getting fewer by the day.
"Of course, with the playoffs, but I think just in general, in the game," Koivu said. "I think that what we've realized right now. Once you get a little bit older, I think it's a good lesson for all of us that you need to appreciate what you have and try to enjoy this as much as you can. You never know when it's going to be your last chance in the playoffs or chance to play the game again."
There's no telling what the future holds for Koivu. He hasn't tipped his hand one way or another whether he wants to continue his playing career after this season, a final decision that won't be made until after this season is over.
Wild GM Bill Guerin said earlier this week that he didn't broach the subject with Koivu during the stoppage.
To be certain, Koivu's teammates understand what he's meant to the team, and how unfortunate it had been, for example, if the season ended in March and Koivu decides to retire.
At a minimum, it would have been a frustrating end to what has been -- and may very well continue to be -- a marvelous career.
"Just to be back and to know that we're going to get an opportunity to compete for a Stanley Cup, it's great. Mikko is no different, he's here and ready to compete and he's going to push our guys and help our younger guys understand that this a great opportunity and we need to enjoy it and be excited for that chance," said Wild forward Eric Staal. "He looks good, he's a professional, he keeps himself in great shape and he's ready to, hopefully, be at his best to help lead the way for us to play well in Edmonton."
When the Wild and Canucks drop the puck at Rogers Place to start its. their best-of-5 qualifying round series, Koivu will officially skate for his fifth full head coach. He's the only player in franchise history who can claim that.
That coach, Dean Evason, who had the interim tag removed from his title on Monday, understands exactly what Koivu has meant to the Wild during his career.
And he has a strong grasp on what coming back means for the captain: another crack at an elusive championship.
"Mikko Koivu has meant everything to this franchise. He has been such a figure, just watching from afar for so many years of how he's led and led by example, and is still leading. There's a reason he's the captain of the team," Evason said. "You watch his work ethic out there, it's just absolutely awesome. He doesn't let anybody off the hook.
"If you're going against him, you're going against a man that's competing every single second that he's on the ice, practice or games. So yeah, I'm excited obviously for everybody, but no question excited for Mikko going forward here."
