Wild announce longtime captain Mikko Koivu will not be re-signed

Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesFor the first time since in 15 years, the Minnesota Wild will be preparing to embark on a campaign without Mikko Koivu in the fold.

On Friday, the Wild released a statement from general manager Bill Guerin stating that the first and only full-time captain in franchise history will not be returning to Minnesota for a 16th season. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Mikko Koivu was a true leader both on and off the ice during his 15-year career with the Wild. From being drafted sixth overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, making his NHL debut on Nov. 11, 2005, being named the team’s first full-time captain on…