The Minosta Wild expected to play an exhibition game against Turku, Koivu's home town and a team of which he has part ownership. The NHL announcd today that the Hurricanes and Wild will meet in a pair of games in Helsinki on Oct. 7-8; Columbus plays San Jose in Stockholm on Oct. 8-9; and the Bruins and Coyotes face off in Prague on Oct. 9-10.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said on NHL.com "The Premiere Games are a highly anticipated part of our season launch, and we are extremely pleased that six teams more than ever will open their season in Europe. As the rosters currently stand, six Finnish stars will take part in the action. Niklas Backstrom, Mikko Koivu and Antti Miettinen are on the current Wild roster, while Carolina’s Tuomo Ruutu, Joni Pitkanen and Jussi Jokinen play for the Canes.