Alexei Kovalev or Saku Koivu: Who's the Better Canadiens Leader?

For the last few weeks, both Miah and I were discussing who's the better leader on the Montreal Canadiens. Feel free to comment and give your own opinion.

Miah wrote the Saku Koivu breakdown, while I wrote the Alexei Kovalev piece.

Saku Koivu

Saku Koivu’s career statistics aren’t as impressive as, let’s say, Alexei Kovalev’s. As a matter of fact, Kovalev has a Stanley Cup ring more than his current team captain.

But there is more about Koivu than numbers; there is bound, there is history.

A story between him and the only team he has ever played for during his NHL career.

Koivu has been drafted in the first round by the Montreal Canadiens in 1993, 21st overall, and started playing for the team in 1995.

In 1999, Koivu became the 27th captain of the Canadiens, succeeding to Vincent Damphousse.

In nearly 10 years at the head of the most storied franchise in hockey, Koivu’s journey with the team hasn’t always been shiny and sunny.

The team made it to the playoffs only five times, under Koivu’s lead. The best accomplishment of his crew was last year’s regular season lead. But once again, Montreal failed to fulfill more than the second round of the playoffs.

But here is the question: If a choice had to be made, who would be the better ultimate leader of Les Habitants: Koivu or Kovalev?

As said earlier, Koivu’s bound with the Montreal Canadiens is made of history and a lot of emotions.

Before even the start of the 2001 season, Koivu was diagnosed with cancer which took him away from the game, from his fans for the almost the entire season.

Fans gathered to show support to their captain, who was battling for his life.

On April 9, 2002, Koivu made his return to the ice, one of the most emotional and magical moments Montreal fans could ever attend—a comeback that would inspire the team to bring a great first-round battle against the Boston Bruins before advancing to the second round of the playoffs.

Through the years, Koivu stayed and remained with the Canadiens despite rumours and comments that were spread around, especially at times of doubts in the team.

Now, with a young team under his lead, his responsibilities are even more difficult, dealing with the pressure they all have to face. But his role as big brother to the young players isn’t undeniable.

We have a few examples regarding that.

This year, when Andrei Kostitsyn got a concussion on the ice, younger brother Sergei had a hard time focusing on the game rather running after revenge. Once on the bench, Koivu put an arm around him and convinced him to cool down.

Last year, a tearful Carey Price was sitting in the Montreal Canadiens room after a loss to the Washington Capitals during the holidays. Almost all players left the room, except the captain, who stayed with the rookie netminder, comforting him.

Those are just details, simple life examples, but they show the place this team has in Koivu’s heart.

Coach Guy Carbonneau said he needed a leader to stand up, which is, first and foremost, the role of the captain.

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