Koivu Heading To Colorado

Mikko Koivu has been traded to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for the Islanders 3rd round pick next year and jr Bruce Graham.

Koivu has been a bench warmer all season and was clearly not happy with his lack of ice time. Koivu was originally going to share 4th line duties with Yanick Lehoux but Lehoux has been playing well and that fact has kept Mikko on the bench.

"Mikko knew at the beginning of the season that we were trying to trade him. He is a talented center but with the depth on our team he was the odd man out so to speak. We were hoping to get something done long before this but I think the fact that Mikko has some discipline problems it took a while longer." GM Perrault told reporters. "We are getting Bruce Graham who is only 18 years old and will be in our jr program for development. In a few years and after some development camps we think Bruce will be ready for the Pro league and be able to make an impact."

"We wish Mikko all the best in Colorado. We hate to lose him but for his sake and for the chance for him to play now is more important to us and to him that he get a fresh start where he will be able to showcase his skills."