89 TOTW Koivu Review

Wanted to do something different and review a cheaper player (who isn't a top liner with 2+ PPG which so many other reviews seem to have lol) who doesn't seem to get much notice around here.

Price: 50-60k (got him for 35k)

Syns: FM DR 1T

3rd Line Xmas Versteeg-89 Koivu-Xmas Tatar, 1st PK Koivu-Versteeg

51 GP 13G 13A 26 PTS +17 (my team has been terrible lately so these are good numbers from a relative standpoint especially with no PP time)

Skating: 9.1/10

This is probably what surprised me most about the card. For only having 90 accel/90 spd he feels very fast especially at top speed. His unexpected strong skating has gotten him many breakaway/odd man rush opportunities. He feels faster than other big skaters with similar stats like TOTW Kreider (honestly feels more like 92 accel/93 speed TBH when fresh). Being 6'3 around 220, he is strong on the puck and is rarely ever really rocked. His agility at 91 is an asset as well (especially with SB activated it becomes 95). Again I'd probably say this is the most surprising thing about the card.

Shooting: 8/10

Koivu has a decent wrist shot with good power behind it. It isn't always the most accurate, but it does create many rebound chances when it's on net if it doesn't go in. His slapper is quite similar in that the accuracy can leave some to be desired at times, but he gets good power behind it. Many of his goals actually come from the breakaway or from crashing the net and getting rebounds. Definitely not a liability but can be quite inconsistent.

Hands: 9/10

Koivu's hands really shine when receiving 1T opportunities or in close to the net, where he always seems to bang in a rebound or deke out the goalie. His passing is strong, although I prefer passing with RH shots. He also has amazing puck retrieval abilities, making him great on the PK or even an option at Dman if you are loaded at C. Unless you're reckless its hard to lose the puck with him.

Checking: 8.7/10

Koivu's skating along with his large frame make him a tank when charging at you full speed. He feels like Pietrangelo in this sense, won't obliterate you like Chara by just rubbing against you, but square up for a perfectly set up hit, say goodnight. His size and balance make it so he doesn't get blown up often.

Defense: 9.3/10

This is definitely where Koivu is the strongest. His shot blocking and stick checking are at 88's but with DR and T and SB activated those are 92 SB and 94 SC and it shows. He gets into passing lanes, has a decently long stick and doesn't get many penalties like Chara, etc. Seems to always be in the right position defensively and is great at intercepting a pass and exploding for the breakaway (got some SH goals this way). With his FM syn he has 96 faceoffs, usually wins the majority of the faceoffs he takes. Defensively feels like a larger, faster Bergeron.

Overall if you are looking for a very strong bottom 6 C and not looking to break the bank he is perfect. Also comes with some good synergies and may even be a decent 2C with the right wingers on a cheaper team. He always seems to perform well even when my team overall is playing like shit.