Montreal Canadiens: Five Free Agent Centres The Habs Could Target

3. Mikko Koivu

Koivu just turned 37 so there is no way he is expecting a long term contract. A one year deal would probably work for both sides. It is possible that Koivu will stay in Minnesota where he has played his whole career, but his older brother’s stories about playing in Montreal must have Mikko pretty curious what it would be like to suit up in a Habs sweater, if only for one season.

Koivu is coming off his worst offensive season since he was a rookie in 2005-06, but that is predictable for a player of his age. He wouldn’t be coming in to be a top-six centre anyway, he would be a fourth line centre who might even be a healthy scratch on many occasions to keep him fresh.

Though his four goals and 21 points in 55 games this season don’t make him a feared offensive producer, Koivu can still defend well and play a smart two-way game. He still plays with some fairly offensive minded wingers in Kevin Fiala and Zach Parise, which makes his lack of goal scoring concerning, but Mikko was never a big goal scorer anyway.

In some of his best years, he scored 17 goals and set up his teammates, while playing against tough competition on a nightly basis. I wouldn’t expect much offence from Koivu next season, but having him as an option on the fourth line to play a defensive role, win face-offs and kill penalties would be fine.