Will Montreal Get Rid of Saku Koivu?

For the first time in 13 years, there is a chance that the Montreal Canadiens will be opening up training camp in September without veteran leader, Saku Koivu.

According to a recent report from the Russian publication Soviersky Sport, Montreal, who squeaked into the playoffs this season with 93 points, is going to let the 34 year-old walk as an unrestricted free agent.

Even though Koivu has been a fan favorite during his past nine years as team captain, the publication stated that the Canadiens have offered the captaincy as a lure to another unrestricted free agent: Alex Kovalev.

Coming off a 65-point season, the former Stanley Cup winner (in 1994 with the New York Rangers) is apparently about to be offered a lucrative, one-year deal with Montreal worth between six and seven million dollars.

The 16-year veteran, who is only six goals shy of 400 career goals, is on holiday and eager to talk contract with Montreal when he returns.

Koivu on the other hand is realistic about his prospects. A day after losing to the Boston Bruins in the first round, Koivu, who had a 50-point season, conceded that he might be traded this summer.

“If I’m not signed by July 1st, I don’t think I’ll be back in Montreal,” Koivu said. “Finishing your career with one team would be awesome in a way, but it’s too early to say because I don’t know what the team’s plan is.” 

Also being reported in Soviersky is that the team has offered all-star defenceman Mike Komisarek a multi-year pact worth four million per season. Apparently Komisarek, who is also an unrestricted free agent, wants at least six million per season.

I also have very good information that Graeme Roustan is in the lead to take over the Montreal Canadiens. Even though the Molson Family has thrown its name into the ring, Roustan has an inside because of his passion, knowledge, and business savvy.

The decision should be made before June 9th, an important date for the Phoenix fiasco!