A Montreal Canadiens fan blog
Posts tagged Saku Koivu
To Saku Koivu
Jul 8th
After last season, it had been a while that the cries for a change were getting louder in Montreal. And I thought that a major change was certainly in order.
As July 1st came and went, I had (at first) felt some “doom and gloom” because I didn’t like the Gomez deal. And then with the UFAs that were signed, I felt a new optimism.
I somewhat knew that you (Saku) were not coming back to Montreal, and somehow that was ok.
But as a rumour broke about a slight chance that you (Saku) would return to Montreal.. I started thinking, not just about hockey, but about who you are and how you carried yourself as the captain and the face of the Montreal Canadiens.
I found myself caught in a little nostalgia to be honest, but aside from that, I couldn’t deny the fact that you carried yourself so well in spite of everything. In spite of the injuries that could have ended your career. In spite of the Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that certainly would have finished others….. you pushed on, with endless class and a commitment to your team.
I fully believe you gave %100 every time you hit the ice. Through the great highs and great lows of your time in the Montreal Canadiens organisation…. you gave it %100.
Through all kinds of media crap, language issues that in my opinion, you were a target of circumstance… you gave it %100.
Saku, you have been a model player, a model captain and a model citizen with the charity work you have done.
Today, your signing in Anaheim signals the true end of an era for the Canadiens. After the news broke, it started sinking in for me. That the face of the team I’ve loved for many years is no longer a member of the team.
I will truely miss you. I have spent many many hours cheering you and your linemates on over the years… sharing the highs and the lows of your career with the Montreal Canadiens.
I wish only the very best for you and your family and I do infact wish you all the success in Anaheim. I will continue to follow your play as much as I can.
The Anaheim Ducks know who and what they are getting in your signing… to quote Adam Brady on the Ducks blog:
“In Koivu, the Ducks are getting so much. They’re getting a terrific playmaker, a guy who scored more than 50 points each of the last six seasons, someone who takes pride in his defense as well. Just as importantly, they’re getting a born leader who had one of the toughest jobs in hockey — captain of the Montreal Canadiens — for the last decade, as long as anyone in the 100-year history of the team.”
(Ducks blog here)
And I really can’t help but feeling a little bit of … “don’t know what you got, until it’s gone”.
You will be missed. I hope you get another 8 to 10 minute standing ovation if/when you play in Montreal this year. You deserve it.
With respect,
Yves.
Online petition to keep Alex Kovalev
Jul 5th
Seems as though the online petition to keep Alex Kovalev in Montreal got a little more attention as RDS put out a little piece on it today.
Alex Kovalev has definately been one of the most popular players in recent years in the Montreal Canadiens organisation. Kovalev, dubbed as “the artist”, has shown his mad skills on the ice in Montreal much to the pleasure of the fans… and some fans have taken it upon themselves to try and convince Gainey to sign him before he signs elsewhere.
Honestly, I would have taken Kovalev back in a heartbeat. I still would if a deal were to be reached.
I believe that Kovalev knows that he was really loved by the fans in Montreal. At least, for me, Kovalev was a joy to watch. Sometimes, I’ll admit, it was frustrating to watch him… but that is just because of the expectation that we (as fans.. and maybe the “experts”… and staff) placed upon him… due to his incredible talent that was always so evident.
I loved watching Kovalev play for the Habs.
If Gainey were to change his mind he would still have to address the defense, which may require a trade.
So far, François Beauchemin seemed to the the favorite by many to try and get signed as he would fill up the defense nicely… and rumour has it that he’s expressed a desire to play in Montreal.
So if Kovalev was resigned, it would certainly look as though Gainey would be out in the Beauchemin races….. and it would probably kill the rumour that Koivu “could” be back in Montreal.. (Eklund’s rumour here)
I know there is another petition for Saku Koivu….. I don’t know… but really, I’m still attached to these 2 great players who served us well in their time with the Canadiens. And I would welcome both back. I’m just not sure how Gainey would work signing either Kovalev or Koivu or both…. and still addressing a need at the defensive position. But.. one can always acquire a defenseman via trade.
Can’t wait for the season to start!
