Remembering Saku Koivu and the Search for the Canadiens' New Captain

(Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

I woke up on July 1 with an empty feeling. That morning brought with it a drastic change—the realization that Saku Koivu would no longer be a part of the Montreal Canadiens.

I'm only 23 years old, so while I have watched tape of the legends like Richard, Beliveau, and Dryden, nearly all of my defining moments with the Habs have been with Saku.

Being named the first European captain of the Canadiens in 1999. The deafening ovation he received upon his return from cancer in 2002, and then leading the upset of the No. 1 seeded Bruins. Upsetting the Bruins again in 2004. Nearly being blinded in 2006. Scoring the shootout winner against the Rangers in 2008 to cement the greatest comeback in team history.

Throughout his tenure, Koivu was criticized by certain groups for nearly everything, ranging from his play to his tentativeness to speak French. Fortunately for most fans, actions speak louder than words. Koivu's courage, dedication to the CH, and contributions to the community will never be forgotten. 

As I mentally prepare myself for the first season without Saku since my childhood, all I can say is thank you, merci, and kiitos.

Losing Saku Koivu has been but one of the many stories in Montreal. As any Canadiens fan can tell you, this past month or so has been tumultuous to say the least. 

Acquiring Scott Gomez for Chris Higgins was the trigger that set off the avalanche of changes in La Belle Province. In the frenzied blur that was the beginning of free agency, the Habs were revamped seemingly overnight. 

Leaving with Koivu is the super-talented Alex Kovalev and Alex Tanguay, ordained future captain Mike Komisarek, the surprising Robert Lang, fan favorite Tom Kostopoulos, and half the defence with Mathieu Schneider, Mathieu Dandenault, Francois Bouillon, and Patrice Brisebois. 

Joining Gomez will be heralded sniper Mike Cammalleri, undersized Brian Gionta, over sized Hal Gill, and offensive-minded Jaroslav Spacek.

As I've had time to digest the changes, I'm happy with the way the team is looking. I believe the additions will work well in Jacques Martin's system.

Many fans were screaming for change after the meltdown of the centennial season, and change is exactly what they got. However, most were unprepared for the level of change that transpired.

The old saying goes, "If it isn't broken, don't fix it." Well, Bob Gainey looked at the team and decided—if it is broken, fix it completely.

I wasn't an advocate for major change, but I agree with the idea that if change is to occur, it's better to change completely rather than half heartedly. 

My level of optimism for the upcoming season is met only by the depth of uncertainty regarding the team's leadership going forward. Andrei Markov is the only returning player who wore a letter regularly, and the three players who had been discussed as possible captains after Koivu are no longer with the team: Alex Kovalev, Mike Komisarek, and Chris Higgins. 

Who will be the next captain of the Montreal Canadiens?

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