Ducks acquire veteran center Saku Koivu
The Ducks finally made their big move in the free-agent market this
morning, snagging former Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu. The 13-year NHL veteran has agreed to a one-year, $3.25-million deal, according to sources.
Koivu, 34, was considered among the better free agents available this summer, and he fulfills the need for a top-line center. His reputation as a leader in the locker room will come in handy, too.
Koivu finished with 16 goals and 50 points in 65 games with the Canadiens last season. He should provide the Ducks with a solid scoring output -- as long as he stays healthy.
It'll be interesting to see how Koivu and fellow Finn Teemu Selanne
mesh on the team. Both have played together with Finland in the
Olympics and the IIHF World Championship tournament.
-- Austin Knoblauch
Photo: Saku Koivu. Credit: Paul Chiasson / Assocated Press
Koivu is a solid pickup for the Ducks and should do well next season if indeed he can stay healthy. I'm surprised the Kings didn't make a play for him given their preference to acquire injured players.
Posted by: Lucinda | July 08, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Looking forward to a potent power play. Welcome to CA, Saku.
Posted by: Andrea Davidson | July 08, 2009 at 05:19 PM
Better free agents available? Top-line center? Reputation as a leader in the locker room?(!) Solid scoring output?
Are we talking about the same guy?
Boy, you guys are in for a BIG disappointment...
Posted by: Patrice from Montreal | July 08, 2009 at 06:23 PM
In desperation, Montreal overpays to sign a host of undersized free agent forwards like Cammalleri who will get leveled in the physical eastern conference yet it is the Ducks who will be disappointed? Think again, my friend....
Posted by: Jeremy Arlington | July 09, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Saku has a lot of hockey left in him and I feel it was a great loss to Montreal for letting him go. He is a great player and anyone that feels it's a disappointment to see him arrive to their team, hasn't properly followed the game. He has consistantly been up their with points even with the obstacles in his way, cancer, a stick to the eye, etc. Some of his injuries really had nothing to do with his size or the physical play in the Eastern Conference. With the fast, finesse play in the West and in the Ducks organization, Koivu has found a new home that will be perfect for him and his quick, shifty style of hockey....I wish him well and consider the Ducks a very fortunate team to get such an incredible player and awesome guy!!!
Posted by: TazzManiac | July 10, 2009 at 05:01 AM
Agreed, Koivu is a class act as a person and a player and should succeed with the Ducks.
Posted by: patrick parsons | July 10, 2009 at 11:58 AM