5 players the Philadelphia Flyers should target in free agency

4. C Mikko Koivu

2019-2020 Team: Minnesota Wild

2019-2020 Cap Hit: $5.5 million

Next on our list, we look at longtime Minnesota Wild captain Mikko Koivu. For the first time in his 15 year NHL Career (all spent in Minnesota), Koivu will be looking for a new place to call home. This is obviously where the Philadelphia Flyers come into play.

As a team, the Flyers’ top-six forward group is pretty set in terms of talent. Of course, they could sure use another goal scorer, but that is an entirely different conversation. Where the Flyers and Koivu match comes into play is Philly’s desire to address the bottom six. Koivu also plays a really strong two-way game, which is something the Flyers’ really covet in the players. To hammer that point home even further, Koivu has finished top-ten in Selke votes (best defensive forward) four separate times in his career.

Of course, this isn’t the Koivu from five years ago, who you could pencil in for 50-60 points as well as that strong defensive game. Last season, Koivu netted four goals and 17 assists (21 points) in 55 contests with the Wild. Nothing crazy, but still solid production for a guy who would step in and be your 4th line center. Plus, he is great in the face-off circle, as he has won over 54 percent of his draws in his career.

Another thing to consider is the leadership he would bring, as he served as the Wild captain since 2009. Having never advanced past the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the chance to play for a Cup contender like the Philadelphia Flyers could certainly drum up interest from Mikko Koivu. Adding him on a one-year deal worth between $1-1.5 million could be a sneaky addition for the Orange and Black.