A Montreal Canadiens fan blog
Posts tagged Former Players
Saku Koivu returns to Montreal
Jan 22nd
Tonight is the big game. Well, in one sense it is. In fact if you’ve been a fan of the Montreal Canadiens anytime in the last decade then you’re familiar with longtime captain Saku Koivu.
Koivu, during his tenure in Montreal, was one of my all time favorite players. In fact, back when Saku officially became a free agent, I wrote an article with my personal goodbye to him titled “To Saku Koivu“.
I can tell you that I’ve cheered the former Habs captain on for so many years that it will be hard not to cheer him on against the very team he once lead. Koivu had been an inspiration on many levels. Coming back from a few major injuries, a battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and a certain disrespect that I don’t believe he deserved as long time captain of the team. I know some might argue otherwise but I could never understand the hounding he took from certain media outlets because he couldn’t speak french.
I thought I’d share some info sent to me by Matthew Ross, host of Game Points on the Team990 (which happens to be one of my favorite sports channels… that’s my plug! haha) on some recent polling going on for Saku Koivu’s return to Montreal:
Will Saku Koivu (ANA) score a goal?
Yes +325 ( or 13/4)
No -450 ( or 2/9)
Will Saku Koivu (ANA) record a point?
Yes +140 (or 7/5)
No -170 (or 10/17)
Will Saku Koivu (ANA) be the first star of the Game?
Yes -150 (or 2/3)
No +110 (or 11/10)
There’s been quite a bit of stuff written about Koivu’s return to Montreal. I really enjoyed this article by Dave Stubbs of the Gazette titled “Emotional return for Captain K“.
I’m really hoping that Koivu gets a warm response from the crowd. Through his long tenure as captain he was the source of much emotion, but inspirational like coming back from his battle with cancer, or battling back from a near career ending eye injury…. or from his critics that continued to pound at him in papers and radio/TV talk shows that he should speak french.
Saku, I truly hope you get an incredible welcome tonight. You deserve it.
Jaroslav Halak interview in Montreal
Sep 4th
Even though Jaroslav Halak is with the St Louis blues, he still holds a special spot with many Habs fans.
Today Jaroslav was saying his goodbyes and thank yous to fans in Montreal and there were estimates of about 5000 fans showing up to meet Halak.
Personally, I’ll never doubt him. He just did everything he had to do in order to find his number 1 job that he now holds in St Louis. Played the ECHL, played the AHL… starting, backup… always worked hard.
I’m happy that he’s getting a number one job.
Here the link to the interview.
And here’s the video player:
(Courtesy or RDS)
Best wishes to you Jaro!
Francis Bouillon officially signs with Predators
Oct 1st
Had heard the reports that Francis Bouillon had signed a tryout contract with the Nashville Predators earlier during training camp.
Well, it was officially announced by the Predators on their website yesterday that Francis has signed a 1 year deal with them.
The Predators are getting a tough as nails d-man in Francis who will give his all for their team and won’t back down from anyone despite his small frame.
Best wishes to you Francis!
Habs history – Frustrating look at John LeClair
Aug 4th
John LeClair was one of those guys who you would want on your team, big power forward with good hands.
John LeClair played an important role in Montreal’s stanley cup win of 1992-1993.
Soon after in 1994-1995 LeClair was traded to Philadelphia along with Eric Desjardins and Gilbert Dionne for Mark Recchi and a third rouner.
Frustrating for Canadiens fans was the fact that as soon as LeClair hit Philly his numbers soared.
The next 3 full season in Philadelphia LeClair score 51,50,51 goals respectively and the 2 season after that he notched 43 and 40 goals respectively. He averaged 89.6 points a season for the 5 full seasons after being traded to Philadelphia. (From 1995-96 to 1999-00)
John LeClair’s numbers in Montreal
224 games played, 49 goals, 69 assists and 118 points.
Points per game: 0.53
Goals per game: 0.21
Assists per game: 0.30
John LeClair’s numbers after Montreal
743 games played, 357 goals, 344 assists and 701 points.
Points per game: 0.94
goals per game: 0.48
Assists per game: 0.46
His offensive production pretty much doubled after leaving Montreal as he was teamed up with Eric Lindros and Mikael Renberg. Their line was affectionately (by Phily fans) “The Legion of Doom”.
I believe the 3rd round pick the Montreal Canadiens had acquired was either Miloslav Guren or Martin Hohenberger. Either ring a bell??? Not for me.
Recchi had a few decent years in Montreal notching over 30 goals twice.
Looking back who won that trade?
What’s your opinion?
I think the Flyers certainly did getting both LeClair AND Desjardins.
