As important as the arrival of Saku Koivu in Anaheim is to Ducks fans, it pales in comparison to how big a deal it is that the Montreal Canadiens allowed the unrestricted free-agent center to get away.
When the Ducks signed Koivu on Wednesday to a one-year, $3.25 million contract, two conference calls were needed, one for Southern California and United States media, and another for Montreal and Canadian media.
As a Ducks spokesman put it, had there been only one call, the Montreal media would have “dominated” it.
Just as Koivu’s Finnish countryman and close friend, Ducks right wing Teemu Selanne, has forged a unique multiple-admiration society with Ducks fans, as well as reporters who cover the team, the same was true for Koivu with most Montreal writers and Canadiens fans.
Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette provides a poignant look at what Koivu meant to Montreal.
Related stories:
- Legendary writer pays tribute to new Duck Koivu
- Koivu gives Ducks enviable offensive options
- New Duck Koivu likes the fit
- Ducks land free-agent center Koivu
- Koivu brings impressive trophy case to Ducks
Post from: Ducks blog
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