KOIVU TO MAKE BLUE JACKETS DEBUT TUESDAY

Former Minnesota Wild center Mikko Koivu will make his Blue Jackets debut against the Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena on Tuesday.

Koivu signed a one-year contract with Columbus on October 10 after playing the previous 15 seasons with the Minnesota Wild.

The forward was stuck on the NHL COVID-19 protocol list since the season started, but was luckily removed on Saturday. He has been practicing on a line centering Mikhail Girgorenko (left wing) and Kevin Stenlund (right wing).

"It's been about a week now for myself that I've been able to skate and get kind of in the pace a little bit more," Koivu said. "First on my own, then with the coaching staff a little bit, and then the optional skate (Friday) and obviously today with the team skate.»

"So, kind of a step-by-step process the last week or so. I guess the next step now is just to get into the game and get a good feeling about the pacing and trying to get through this."

The Finland native has tallied 709 points (205 goals, 504 assists) over a span of 1,028 games. He will look to replicate some of his playmaking and two-way skills with the Blue Jackets.

Mikko Koivu will make his Blue Jackets debut against the Panthers at Nationwide Arena on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; FS-O, FS-F, https://t.co/yFcpGmLbfE). Get more news and notes in the NHL Buzz. https://t.co/N5Dsm5mQlW— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) January 25, 2021