Former Wild center Mikko Koivu honored to have jersey retired Sunday

Mikko Koivu will become the first player in Minnesota Wild history to have his jersey retired when the team honors him by putting his No. 9 in the rafters of the Xcel Energy Center on Sunday.

“It’s hard for me to put into words what this weekend will be like. I’m simply honored to be here with my family and friends to be a part of this. It’s humbling,” said Koivu.

***Click the video box above to watch Koivu meet with reporters Wednesday***

Koivu played 15 seasons with the Wild. He played in 1,035 games, had 206 goals and scored 711 career points.

The Minnesota Wild selected Koivu with the 6th overall pick in the 2001 NHL Draft. Koivu finished his career with the Columbus Blue Jackets before retiring. Currently, Koivu and his family live in Eden Prairie.

The Wild will host the Nashville Predators at 5 p.m. on Sunday.