Wild head coach Yeo 'highly in doubt' over Koivu playing before Olympic break

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Mikko Koivu's return to the Minnesota Wild likely won't come until after the Olympics, leaving his availability for Finland during the Winter Games in question.

Koivu broke his right ankle Jan. 4 when he was hit by a puck and had surgery to accelerate the recovery.

The captain and first-line center has resumed skating, but Wild coach Mike Yeo told reporters after practice Monday that Koivu's availability for the last two games before the Olympics break was ''highly in doubt.'' Koivu could still play in the Winter Games, however, if he's cleared in time by the team's medical staff. Finland's opener is Feb. 13 against Austria.

The Wild host Tampa Bay Tuesday and Nashville Thursday before the NHL hiatus begins. The Wild's regular season schedule resumes Feb. 27.