Mikko Koivu makes it through full practice, could return on Thursday

Mikko Koivu could return to the Minnesota Wild lineup as soon as Thursday.

The standout forward went through a full practice on Wednesday, the same day the Wild placed Jed Ortmeyer on waivers, and coach Mike Yeo left open the possibility he could be activated in time to play Vancouver on Thursday night.

Koivu hasn't played since Jan. 14 because of a shoulder injury. The Wild are 2-5-1 without him.

"It's getting better each and every day it's getting stronger. That's a good sign," Koivu said, per the Star Tribune. "Being in practice and being involved physically and having contact, you get more comfortable each and every time it happens. It helps a lot conditioning-wise but more important timing-wise."

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
Email Tom | @TomPelissero | Tom Pelissero