Has Mikko Koivu arrived?

Mikko Koivu has probably caused a rush to the waiver wire this morning with his huge 5 point performance last night in Florida.

Koivu has now put up 9 points in the 3 games he has played this season. It would seem last nights Peter North size explosion appeared from nowhere, but that is not the case.

A broken leg last season seemed to overshadow his silent fantasy ascension last season. His 42 points may look modest but upon further review he was on a 60 pt pace in 08. Add in his four playoff goals while battling Peter Forsberg to a standstill and things were looking up for Saku's little brother in 2009.

A quick browse of his point total would show a digression in point totals, but when viewed in chart form it is clear that he was enjoying a great progression in 2008 even with his injury.

Mikko is much larger than his older brother yet possess the same high hockey IQ. He has gained a feisty edge and has the ability to control the tempo of a game to his liking.

With his ascension to the number one pivot with the departure of Pavol Demitra, a spike in his production was expected. A huge start will place him among the hottest pickups of the early season, but all the warning signs were there. Will he finish the season with 100+ points? Highly unlikely in the rigid Minnesota system, but an 80 point season is definitely within reach.