Koivu a Duck

nhlupdateSaku Koivu to the Ducks2 minutes ago from TweetDeck

Finnish tv channel MTV3 says it too...

http://www.iltasanomat.fi/urheilu/t/nhl/1708755

Official!

WOOHOO! :yo: :handclap:

So it's really confirmed? :)

:banana:

what is our cap situation now? do we have some $ to spent on Dman?

http://ducks.freedomblogging.com/2009/07/08/ducks-land-free-agent-center-koivu/15975/#more-15975

:handclap: :yo:

3.25 mil for a year. not bad at all. very cheap for a second line center not on an entry level contract.

Koivu to Selanne.. GOALLLL

we'll miss him, take good care of our Captain Courage :)

Good luck as a Duck Saku, you're already missed. It's going to be really strange seeing him in another jersey. Best of luck to the Ducks next year, hopefully you can give Saku the success he deserves.

Woot. Given the Finn media and the Teemu situation with the "I'm retiring/I'm not retiring," I was going to be cautious. But Dan Wood is a whole different story.

Best of all, it gives us a "win it for ___" guy. Let's hope he can rekindle the Koivu-Selanne magic.

Oh and IMO, Koivu @ 3.25 > Beauchemin @ 3.8.

finally finally finally.... lol
Anyone have any line up predicitons?

Koivu to Selanne.. GOALLLL

Great! I can´t wait to see those two guys in the same team! :handclap:

Sweeeet. Nice job Murray, Now just re-sign Wis and sign a capable stay at home top four D-man and we are set. Then we can dangle one of our firsts, or possibly one of our goalies to improve our D at the deadline (Kaberle?).

finally finally finally.... lol
Anyone have any line up predicitons?

I think it might be Perry - Getz - Lup and then Ryan - Koivu - Selanne but that was just my guess to even out the scoring a little. Those are two very solid lines..

even if it doesnt..
Anaheim could have the best 1st line and best 2nd line in the nhl.

I think the Murray bashing will stop after this...

oh and btw guys... I think...

...this is an awesome day! :cheers:

Lupul-Getzlaf-Perry
Ryan-Koivu-Selanne
Miller-Marchant-Nokelainen
Brown-Carter-Parros
-Ebbett/Christ

Nieds-Sbisa
Whitney-Wisniewski
Mitera-Mikkelson/Salcido
-Brookbank

Giguere
Hiller

Habs fan living in CA here. Ducks will now be my 2nd favorite team, and I'll actually stay up to watch the west coast games now more often than not.

I would be very surprised if he didn't take less to play with you guys than elsewhere for Selanne's last year. Those two tore it up in the Olympics 4 years ago, and hope he gets a chance to hold the cup with your team if it can't be Montreal.

Despite being known for injuries, last year was the first season in a few he missed any real games due to one. The two years before he missed only a few games with the flu. He does get injured a lot, but plays through them more often than not. Shut down Joe Thorton in a seven game playoff series playing with cracked ribs etc. Watching him barge head on into Chara sacrificing himself to get the puck was a treat last year, and it's too bad the rest of the team couldn't follow his example.

Good luck!

This definitely was a great way to start the day lol

and who knows maye he and selanne will stay longer, if they have fun together

I'm still not liking our defense, but damn, we have two scoring lines!

I'm not 100% sold that Koivu will be productive, but he's a heck of a lot better option than Ebbett/Carter, et. al. and I've always liked what I've seen of him as a person, so it'll be nice in that regard to cheer for him in the black and gold.

Koivu is only a couple seasons removed from a career-high 75 points. He may never reach that again but he's good for 60 points easily on a good team like Anaheim. You guys got a great player and a great guy.

I may have to buy a Koivu Ducks jersey...

Habs fan living in CA here. Ducks will now be my 2nd favorite team, and I'll actually stay up to watch the west coast games now more often than not.

I would be very surprised if he didn't take less to play with you guys than elsewhere for Selanne's last year. Those two tore it up in the Olympics 4 years ago, and hope he gets a chance to hold the cup with your team if it can't be Montreal.

Despite being known for injuries, last year was the first season in a few he missed any real games due to one. The two years before he missed only a few games with the flu. He does get injured a lot, but plays through them more often than not. Shut down Joe Thorton in a seven game playoff series playing with cracked ribs etc. Watching him barge head on into Chara sacrificing himself to get the puck was a treat last year, and it's too bad the rest of the team couldn't follow his example.

Good luck!

Now that you're on the west coast the games won't be on so late!!!

Lupul-Getzlaf-Perry
Ryan-Koivu-Selanne
Miller-Marchant-Nokelainen
Brown-Carter-Parros
-Ebbett/Christ

Nieds-Sbisa
Whitney-Wisniewski
Mitera-Mikkelson/Salcido
-Brookbank

Giguere
Hiller

If a lineup like this is true and Koivu gets to play with real wingers for the 2nd consecutive season in a row, wow.

I know I'll be trying to watch more ducks fans and rooting for them to come out of the west !

Go ducks Go.

Great chemistry with Selanne.

As a Habs fan, I'll miss him, but I'm glad that he's in Anaheim where he finally has some capable wingers. He's still able to have a very good season points-wise, and you will not be disappointed by this signing, I guarantee it.

Ducks are officially my favorite team in the west.

Hello 40 goals from Teemu...

The man himself quoted in Finnish MTV3:

"I am relieved and feeling great. Anaheim was my number one option from the start. The organization and the team are excellent. As a bonus Anaheim's got Teemu Selanne. Hopefully I get to play together with Teemu."

On persistent rumors taking him to Wild: "That would have had the makings of a Cinderella story, but the move would've involved risks as well. All in all, one was not ready for that - at least for now."

The subject in the final sentence is cryptic on purpose: Saku's didn't make it clear in Finnish either who or what wasn't "ready". But leaving the door open for a new try in 2010 certainly comes across loud and clear.

Source (in Finnish):
http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/jaakiekko/uutiset.shtml/arkistot/jaakiekko/2009/07/911978

Man, This move is making the Ducks my favorite in the west again. I love like, two-thirds of your team.

Great signing for the ducks. This adds some much needed offense, not to mention leadership skills lost in Pronger and Beauchemin. Hopefully they can add one more veteran d-man to round out the roster.

Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry
Selanne-Koivu-Lupul
Carter-Ebbett-Nokelainen
Miller-Christensen-Brown
Parros
Marchant*
Niedermayer*

Niedermayer-Whitney
Wisniewski-Vet d-man
Sbisa-Brookbank


Giguere
Hiller

That roster looks pretty good to me.

Bah, I don't know how I feel about being a "liked" team :p:.

Wow, I thought this was just wishful thinking on our part.

I didn't want to get my hopes up, but hell yes, I'm happy this off season. :handclap:

I think this is better than retaining Beauchemin @ 3.8.

One more signing and we will truly be scary.

Great signing for the ducks. This adds some much needed offense, not to mention leadership skills lost in Pronger and Beauchemin. Hopefully they can add one more veteran d-man to round out the roster.

Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry
Selanne-Koivu-Lupul
Carter-Ebbett-Nokelainen
Miller-Christensen-Brown
Parros
Marchant*
Niedermayer*

Niedermayer-Whitney
Wisniewski-Vet d-man
Sbisa-Brookbank


Giguere
Hiller

That roster looks pretty good to me.


Nice job trying to post the most wussified Ducks lineup in 5 years. Parros is gonna be in the lineup daily

Nice job trying to post the most wussified Ducks lineup in 5 years. Parros is gonna be in the lineup daily

Haha not a chance. I agree they need to add some toughness but Parros will not be in the lineup daily.

Good luck to Koivu and the Ducks next year! :)

Good luck to Saku in his new team :thumbu:
Let`s see if chance of scenery can spark up his game.

Haha not a chance. I agree they need to add some toughness but Parros will not be in the lineup daily.

He's been in the daily lineup for 2 years now.. he'll be in it again with his multi-year extension.

Good luck to Saku in his new team :thumbu:
Let`s see if chance of scenery can spark up his game.Well the media will treat him better in California :laugh:

So sparking up is very possible and guys like Teemu and Lupes/Bobby putting the puck in from his passes...damn season start already! :yo:

Saku may not be the strongest, fastest or even skilled player around, but he makes up for it with his huge heart and determination. Feisty guy, never backs down and will probably put up 60 - 70 points next year. You guys will love him.

Just for the heck of it, here's his return from beating cancer in 2002:

HS9dbVL7PKk

Friggin sweet. Murray got his man. And only 500k more than Brendan Morrison got. Wonder which one I'll like more...

Couple thoughts.

1) I like the move. It seems cheap, and a good gamble. On the other hand, Morrison flamed out horribly. I also thought that was a decent signing, although I did know it was more of a risk because of the knee surgery (but then, we got him cheaper to balance the risk).

2) The more I think about it, the more I'm surprised that Koivu took a 1-year deal. This was his last under 35 contract, it's just kind of amazing that he agreed to go 1 year with it. Otherwise he could have gotten a Hossa-like contract in terms of getting more money from a team (but not the Ducks) in exchange for a lower cap number. After this season, he will probably only be getting 1 or 2 year contracts.

3) To discredit point #2, I wonder if the long delay had to do with him not getting any kind of long term offer. And that Anaheim was only offering a 1-year deal, so eventually Koivu went with our offer. Or if Murray was holding out on the other stuff like getting a Dman because he was expecting this to go through.

4) It looks like we'll finally have 2 good scoring lines. Now which way do they go? Try to make a sheltered 3rd scoring line? With 2 good lines, now we could more easily go with a sheltered young line, with parts like Ebbett, Miller, Christensen, Carter, and maybe even Beleskey. Marchant or Brown could serve as a babysitter for that line. If not, what do we do with all the tweeners?

5) Saku brings some good determination and leadership. Should be good to help make up for the loss of Pronger's, Beauchemin's, and Kunitz's leadership.

I still think we need a top 4 defensemen. We need ownership to open up the purse-strings. Koivu is going to bring a lot of leadership to our lockerroom. and move guys like Carter and Ebbett into their depth role position.

Bah, I don't know how I feel about being a "liked" team :p:.

LOL how far they have fallen in just two years. Think people will stop calling them the "dirty Ducks" now?

I like what Murray is doing with the team, not sure about our D but the scoring looks to be much better this year.

http://img.mtv3.fi/mn_kuvat/mtv3/urheilu/jaakiekko/2009/744150.jpg

http://img.mtv3.fi/mn_kuvat/mtv3/urheilu/jaakiekko/2009/744179.jpg

http://img.mtv3.fi/mn_kuvat/mtv3/urheilu/jaakiekko/2009/744176.jpg

http://img.mtv3.fi/mn_kuvat/mtv3/urheilu/jaakiekko/2009/744157.jpg

And few others:
http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/jaakiekko/uutiset.shtml/arkistot/jaakiekko/2009/07/912002

Sweet, we got our much needed top 6 lines. Now we need to get a physical veteran D to complete our D. Is Mara still in the market?

Couple thoughts.

1) I like the move. It seems cheap, and a good gamble. On the other hand, Morrison flamed out horribly. I also thought that was a decent signing, although I did know it was more of a risk because of the knee surgery (but then, we got him cheaper to balance the risk).

2) The more I think about it, the more I'm surprised that Koivu took a 1-year deal. This was his last under 35 contract, it's just kind of amazing that he agreed to go 1 year with it. Otherwise he could have gotten a Hossa-like contract in terms of getting more money from a team (but not the Ducks) in exchange for a lower cap number. After this season, he will probably only be getting 1 or 2 year contracts.

3) To discredit point #2, I wonder if the long delay had to do with him not getting any kind of long term offer. And that Anaheim was only offering a 1-year deal, so eventually Koivu went with our offer. Or if Murray was holding out on the other stuff like getting a Dman because he was expecting this to go through.

4) It looks like we'll finally have 2 good scoring lines. Now which way do they go? Try to make a sheltered 3rd scoring line? With 2 good lines, now we could more easily go with a sheltered young line, with parts like Ebbett, Miller, Christensen, Carter, and maybe even Beleskey. Marchant or Brown could serve as a babysitter for that line. If not, what do we do with all the tweeners?

5) Saku brings some good determination and leadership. Should be good to help make up for the loss of Pronger's, Beauchemin's, and Kunitz's leadership.

One thing the playoffs showed is that we really don't need a shutdown line anymore, Getzlaf's line can shutdown err dominate any team in the leagues top line, just like they did against San Jose and Detroit. Add to that Koivu, who is a very responsible defensive center, which I think was by far our biggest downfall in the playoffs, since Ebbet was beyond terrible in his own end. Our defense took a hit no doubt, but we are now much better defensively down the middle, which will definitely help to soften the blow of losing Pronger and Beauch.

As a die hard Hab fan and HUGE Koivu fan, glad to see Saku will be playing for the Ducks this year. Looking forward to seeing you play in person this season.
A big thanks goes out to Saku for the class he displayed playing in Montreal.
You will be missed by this Hab fan.

LOL how far they have fallen in just two years. Think people will stop calling them the "dirty Ducks" now?


Saku Koivu is now a dirty player. Funny thing is that the Ducks were never a dirty team. We just enjoyed the reputation.

Woot. Given the Finn media and the Teemu situation with the "I'm retiring/I'm not retiring," I was going to be cautious. But Dan Wood is a whole different story.

Best of all, it gives us a "win it for ___" guy. Let's hope he can rekindle the Koivu-Selanne magic.

Oh and IMO, Koivu @ 3.25 > Beauchemin @ 3.8.

Pity Koivu doesnt play D, and with the current D-situation in Anaheim I would say Beauchemin > Koivu for the teams needs

Lines 1 and 2 are set. We have Marchant, Nokie, Brown. Parros, Christensen, Ebbett, Bodie, Miller and Carter all signed. We still do not know about Rob.

We are over loaded in lines 3 and 4. We will probably have a 21 or 22 team roster as follows:

Forwards 13
Defense 7
Goalies 2

Thus we will only have 7 players for lines 3 and 4. Who goes?

I would think we keep: Marchant, Parros, and Brown.

Of the remaining if Rob re-signs, we keep him and if not I would keep Nokie, Carter and Christensen.

My guess is one or two of Miller, Ebbett or Carter may be packaged for a #4 Defenseman and Bodie is sent down.

Any thoughts? Are any on two way contracts?

Lupul-Getzlaf-Perry
Ryan-Koivu-Selanne
Miller-Marchant-Nokelainen
Brown-Carter-Parros
-Ebbett/Christ

Or do we dare to dream of seeing 3 scoring lines now that we have the forwards to do it and lack the checking strength of the past. Frankly, I think that 3rd line is awful as a 3rd line. Its more like running two scoring lines and two 4th lines.

Ryan Getzlaf Perry
Carter Koivu Selanne
Miller Christensen/Ebbett Lupul
Brown Marchant Nokelainen/Parros

Only piece I don't like is Miller. Lets win some 6-5 games!


Nieds-Sbisa
Whitney-Wisniewski
Mitera-Mikkelson/Salcido
-Brookbank

Top 10 draft pick coming up with that defense (IMO).

Niedermayer Wisniewski
Whitney Montador-clone
Brookbank Sbisa

That I could live with as long as they all stayed healthy all season.

You guys just signed one of the classiest players to play the game. Treat him well, eh?

I want to give Murray credit, but this was more about Koivu wanting to come here.

Credit Murray for being patient.

I'd like us to get another top 4D, but I can understand if we don't. Unless someone is willing to sign a 1 year deal (like a Morris/Boynton/Mara/Scudderi) I think this is our team.

We may have to clear out some of our bottom 6 forwards our assign someone to the A (like Ebbett or Miller).

I'm advocating 3 scoring lines with a Checking/Energy line combo.

[QUOTE=Talentless Practise;20345629]He's been in the daily lineup for 2 years now.. he'll be in it again with his multi-year extension.[/QU

The Ducks have 14 forwards under contract. Unless they trade 1 or 2 guys, I don't see him playing more than 45-50 games. That is just my guess. Carlyle will probably try different line-ups to see what works best.

Me happy.

I'd like to see our forward lines like this:

Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry
Lupul-Koivu-Selanne
Carter-Christenen/Ebbet-Brown
Nokia-Marchant-Parros

First two lines are pretty obvious, the third line could provide quite a bit of offensive with Carter's shot, Christensen's playmaking and Brown providing space, it's also fast and defensively capable of handling other teams 3rd lines, not to mention Carter and Brown can both fight and check.

The fourth line is defensively solid, while still having a bit of offense. Nokia and Parros can both check effectively, and Marchant provides the speed/energy.

I am very jealous of Anaheim right now. :(:(:(:(

Rarely do players I want the Ducks to acquire so badly end up materializing (Pronger was the last). This is the kind of trade that makes you get NHL 09 back out and win the cup with the new team.

Haha not a chance. I agree they need to add some toughness but Parros will not be in the lineup daily.

Carlyle likes to have an enforcer in the lineup. I will be surprised if Parros does not play at least 70 of the 82 games (if he is healthy).

My guess is one or two of Miller, Ebbett or Carter may be packaged for a #4 Defenseman and Bodie is sent down.

Any thoughts? Are any on two way contracts?

Bodie is the only one on a two-way contract.

Ebbett has the best trade value due to his production last season and his cheap contract.

Sweet, we got our much needed top 6 lines. Now we need to get a physical veteran D to complete our D. Is Mara still in the market?

Yeah. Mara, De Vries, Boynton, Morris...lots of options.

Carlyle likes to have an enforcer in the lineup. I will be surprised if Parros does not play at least 70 of the 82 games (if he is healthy).

For how much we're paying George he better be in the lineup every game if he's healthy. I mean we have to have grit in the bottom-6.

Carlyle likes to have an enforcer in the lineup. I will be surprised if Parros does not play at least 70 of the 82 games (if he is healthy).

Parros wasn't in the lineup for a large part of the playoffs, and we just added two more forwards. Not to say he won't be in the line-up alot, as in that scenario they just didn't need him, but if Ebbett and Christensen work out as a scoring fourth line, then it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see him sit out the majority of the games. And even so, 70 out of 82 is a pretty ridiculous claim considering the forwards we have.

I wish you guys another Stanley Cup, Saku definetly deserves it after all the **** he's been through in Montreal. One of the classiest players in the NHL. :yo:

Now that we have Koivu, neither Ebbett or Christensen has a shadow of a hope of being in the lineup instead of Parros.

Rarely do players I want the Ducks to acquire so badly end up materializing (Pronger was the last). This is the kind of trade that makes you get NHL 09 back out and win the cup with the new team.

I am so on that after work. What a pitiful defense though. But defense can be bad if the offense is that much better!

Parros wasn't in the lineup for a large part of the playoffs, and we just added two more forwards. Not to say he won't be in the line-up alot, as in that scenario they just didn't need him, but if Ebbett and Christensen work out as a scoring fourth line, then it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see him sit out the majority of the games. And even so, 70 out of 82 is a pretty ridiculous claim considering the forwards we have.

4th line forwards get limited ice time. It would be very difficult for Ebbett and Christensen to put up points together with 4th line ice time. In limited minutes it makes more sense to throw guys like Brown and Parros out for a shift to create energy.

Enforcer vs Enforcer fighting basically does not exist in the playoffs. Parros will play a majority of the games in the regular season when he has to cancel out the opposing teams heavy weight.

Parros has improved his all around game a great deal and earned a new multi year contract. Carlyle likes what Parros brings to the table.

I stand by my 70 out of 82 comment.

Now that we have Koivu, neither Ebbett or Christensen has a shadow of a hope of being in the lineup instead of Parros.

I agree. Parros, Marchant and Brown will be in the lineup most of the time. Carter, Nokia, Christensen, Ebbett, and Miller will be in competition for the remaining 3rd and 4th line spots.

Please God trade/send down Ebbett and Miller.

Wonderful signing. THIS was exactly what was needed.

SO COOL!

4th line forwards get limited ice time. It would be very difficult for Ebbett and Christensen to put up points together with 4th line ice time. In limited minutes it makes more sense to throw guys like Brown and Parros out for a shift to create energy.

Enforcer vs Enforcer fighting basically does not exist in the playoffs. Parros will play a majority of the games in the regular season when he has to cancel out the opposing teams heavy weight.

Parros has improved his all around game a great deal and earned a new multi year contract. Carlyle likes what Parros brings to the table.

I stand by my 70 out of 82 comment.

I hope Parros keeps on improving, it's kinda neat to see the progress of an enforcer who couldn't play without fighting into someone who can be productive as well. I liked play around the boards and his passing. I remember he had that one breakaway goal where he just fired it in because he doesn't have any moves to use.

Lol @ the fact we have 0 pure LW's. Luckily Bobby Ryan and Lupul do have some experience playing back and forth, though they're primarily suited for RW.

Glad Saku can play with his buddy and put up some points in the process. :D

I hope Anaheim can win a cup for Koivu, he deserves it, especially with all of the **** he went through in Montreal.

As a Habs fan, I'll miss him and wish him best of luck with the Ducks. He's a great player, always plays with his heart and gives it his all every single game.

Anaheim is my favorite team in the West now. :yo:

Another Habs fan here coming in to say congratulations on a great signing. I've followed his career since the juniors (I'm from the same town, I was actually at the rink watching him play for TPS "A-juniors" in their playoffs when he was a dominant albeit tiny 16-year-old) and he is my favorite athlete bar none. I haven't really had a favorite team in the West before. Now I do.

I'm very excited for him and his new team. As for the "why Anaheim" and "why settle for one year" and "what other options did he have" questions, I think it's pretty obvious. He didn't go for the best offer moneywise, he went for the best chance at a Cup on a team where he is likely to get a role as the #2 center. Hope it works out well for all concerned! Can't wait for the 2009-2010 season to start.

**** yeah!! Awesome news. Good price too, he's worth alot more.

Please God trade/send down Ebbett and Miller.

Ebbett is still important, especially with his 2-way contract. Koivu's going to miss some time this season and it'll be nice to have a guy who's played with Teemu before and can step in and produce. If there's anyone truly on the outs because of this, please god, let it be Christensen.

Congrats Anaheimers!

Saku is by far my favorite hockey player and I've been watching the game for a long time. I'm seriously sad to see him go.... anyway, guess I'm a Duck fan now... at least for a year.

ef_ysh50g8s

You guys are so lucky. :(

Saku Koivu is now a dirty player. Funny thing is that the Ducks were never a dirty team. We just enjoyed the reputation.

Not sure I enjoyed the Ducks trips to the box thanks to the reputation calls, but it will be curious to see if anything changes at all with Prongs gone and the shakeup to lineup.

I was already i little bit of a Duck fan since the team came into existence. Now with Koivu on your team I am fully fledged! QUACK QUACK QUACK!!!

You guys are gonna take down shootouts.

No-one noted yet that we now have two centers who are used to kicking Thornton's butt in the postseason.

A good move by the Ducks, especially at that price point. Koivu has lost a few steps over the years but he will give it his all on every shift and will step it up in the playoffs. He is a class act as well.

Since Koivu was my fav Hab over the last 15 years, I wish nothing but the best for the Ducks this season and hope, if not the Habs hoisting the Cup, the Ducks will be in June. The Ducks are now my second fav team in the West.

Ok boys, get Teppo Numminen on the phone.
1 year - $1M.

Help Bob out. ;)

Even though I'm not a Canadian fan, I watch all of their games and Koivu is a player that I respect a lot.

A lot of people in Quebec says ''Good riddance'' because he didn't manage to speak french or they say he's the reason why Mike Ribeiro was traded ... but they'll miss him when they'll be out of the playoff this year. People in Montreal doesn't know anything about hockey, they'll probably boo him like a bunch of retards when he will come back.

They don't even know who's gonna be the captain, that shows a lot with the current leadership of their midget team.

Anyway, you guys have an amazing player, you will love him ! He gives everything he has everytime he steps on the ice and he's a tremendous athlete to have in the playoffs. And he's very solid on the penalty killing too !

(Sorry for my english)

(C) Niedermayer
(A) Getzlaf
(A) Koivu

think that's it?

(C) Niedermayer
(A) Getzlaf
(A) Koivu

think that's it?

Nope. I would give the A to Selanne or Marchant.

I doubt Koivu will be expecting a leadership role on his knew team, no need to give him a letter since he's had one for so long.

Carlyle hands out the letters as he sees fit. Teemu does too much yapping to wear a letter (as does Getzy but he just has to have one).

I don't know if it's been mentioned here yet, but our fanbases are now united for as long as Koivu is a Duck.

I know I speak for many in Montreal when I say that if the Canadiens fail, we are all for Anaheim winning the cup.

I'm sure you'll see us flooding these boards come spring.

aaaannnndddd our 2nd line just got better

Excellent, I cannot believe we finally have two scoring lines again :yo:

His contract is only for one year, right? Because TSN is saying something a bit different.
http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/5959/3yearsquestionmark.jpg

Just one.

Congrats on singing one of the classiest guys in the league. You won't regret signing him. He will be missed.

Treat him well guys .. he deserves it.

Woo! Yes! :handclap: Koivu was probably my favorite non-Duck forward in the league, so I'm thrilled to death to have him. Hopefully this energizes Teemu to have a lot of fun in his last season and score quite a few goals.

Blink, blink... someone pinch me. The Ducks got a 2nd line center! OMG... talk about scoring at will with the top two lines! Welcome Koivu to the OC!

Granted, the defense is terribly young and raw as is
Scotty- Mitera*
Whitney- Sbisa
Wiz - ______

(mixing vets with youngings)

Although, your best defense is usually between the pipes! Hiller and JS are still around, which means yeah, the Ducks might be a little tentative defensively, but sound in the pipes for now.

I doubt Koivu will be expecting a leadership role on his knew team, no need to give him a letter since he's had one for so long.

An "A" in Anaheim isn't really a lot of pressure, it's actually no pressure at all whatsoever.

I'd be all for having Marchant with an "A" on his chest too, but I wouldn't be surprised if Koivu gets it. Pronger recieved the A right away when he became a Duck, and Koivu is more of a leader than him. Just like ericnut, I'd like Teemu to have an "A", actually even the "C", but he has said he doesn't want a letter so, then he's better of not having one.

I am so happy he signed with you guys. He will finally gets the chance to play with a real good team and good linemates. You guys will love him.

Id be cheering for the Ducks if the Habs doesnt make it far in the playoff.

Even though I'm not a Canadian fan, I watch all of their games and Koivu is a player that I respect a lot.

A lot of people in Quebec says ''Good riddance'' because he didn't manage to speak french or they say he's the reason why Mike Ribeiro was traded ... but they'll miss him when they'll be out of the playoff this year. People in Montreal doesn't know anything about hockey, they'll probably boo him like a bunch of retards when he will come back.

They don't even know who's gonna be the captain, that shows a lot with the current leadership of their midget team.

Anyway, you guys have an amazing player, you will love him ! He gives everything he has everytime he steps on the ice and he's a tremendous athlete to have in the playoffs. And he's very solid on the penalty killing too !

(Sorry for my english)

1st post and you come to the Ducks boards---Thanks

Can someone crunch the numbers and figure out our cap situation? I would be interested to see how much wiggle room we have under our budget for a top-4 veteran d-man.

Can someone crunch the numbers and figure out our cap situation? I would be interested to see how much wiggle room we have under our budget for a top-4 veteran d-man.

I think Jim Greyson has been keeping up with this here:http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=642895

man i miss Saku already....you guys are gonna LOVE him. He shows up every night, without fail. If he's not racking up points during a slump, he will be a relentless penalty killer and dig the corners like a blue collar 4th liner.

He will bring the young talented Ducks together. You guys are really lucky.


Biggest asset is his heart...i would be saying the same even if he didnt come back from cancer.

Good luck this year guys, see u in the Stanley Cup finals! :P

1st post and you come to the Ducks boards---Thanks

Haha, my pleasure :P I've been reading stuff on HFboard for a long time but this was the perfect situation to say something.

Selanne and Koivu are gonna be incredible to watch, a little bit like the ''Kariya - Selanne'' era. I seriously think Koivu's condition is underrated ... I mean, he still has a lot to give and I personaly think he will have a career high in term of PTS. He finaly have the chance to play with two top-notch hockey players.

Anyway, I'll be cheering for you guys in the West, that's for sure !

Best Wishes to Koivu and the Ducks. I will always remember Saku as a great person and player.

koivu is my favorite player. ofcourse i wanted him to stay with habs but am happy that hes with ducks now. i guess i have to get a duck jersey.

What amazes me about Saku is that every post from Hab fans has been very positive about him. It sounds like he is a real class guy. Now we have three very, very class players; Teemu, Saku and Todd M. The team has others, but these three are the best IMO.

I'm not certain how many Captains a team may have. If its four I would give the C to Scotty and the A's to Getz, Saku and Marchant.

My only concern is, how injury prone is Koivu?

My only concern is, how injury prone is Koivu?
That would be very.

Which is why we should keep Ebbett, even if it has to be in the minors.

What amazes me about Saku is that every post from Hab fans has been very positive about him. It sounds like he is a real class guy.

How does that amaze you? Have you never heard about the guy before?

He always seems to get hurt with freak injuries. :(

96 WHC

Koivu 4, 1+3=4

Selänne 4, 3+2=5

98 Olympics

Koivu 6, 2+8=10

Selänne 5, 4+6=10

99 WHC

Koivu 9, 4+12=16

Selänne 9, 3+8=11

03 WHC

Koivu 7, 1+10=11

Selänne 7, 8+3= 11

04 World Cup

Koivu 6, 3+1=4

Selänne 6, 1+3=4

06 olympics

Koivu 8, 3+8=11

Selänne 8, 6+5=11

08 WHC

Koivu 6, 0+3=3

Selänne 9, 3+4=7

My only concern is, how injury prone is Koivu?

Well, he'll probably miss 10 games or so. But when the playoffs are on, he's the first to step on the ice and gives everything he's got ... and that's the most important.

I remember how important he was against Boston when he came back from his injury in 2007-2008 for Game 6 and Game 7.

There's no way in hell he's gonna play 82 games, and that's normal. But you have enough depth to replace him if necessary.

not saying I'm against the signing but I would rather that spent on Beauch and I hate him...

not saying I'm against the signing but I would rather that spent on Beauch and I hate him...

Isn't that saying that you actually are against the signing?

I'm probably going to buy a Koivu Ducks jersey. Thank god you guys changed jersey. Good luck next year, I really want you guys to win the cup. Even if we meet in the finals I'll be rooting for the Ducks. Great signing guys!

I don't know how many fans the Ducks have, but the number just might have doubled worldwide with this signing. You seem to officially be the favorite team of fins everywhere, and very likely the second team of a good portion of HabsLand. The departure of Pronger and the arrival of Koivu makes the Ducks so much easier to love. It's like the dodgy guy who just won the lottery. The chicks won't let him be.

I am a very happy psg. Yay for two scoring lines!

My only concern is, how injury prone is Koivu?

Most of his injuries aren't fitness or conditioning related. Koivu even at his age kept in good shape.

His last injury was a foot injury (2x) from a shot off the foot. (2008 and in 2009)
The one before was the eye injury sustained against the Canes in the POs. (2006)

His last fitness/conditioning injury was a groin injury in 05.

So injury prone? Maybe but not by his own doing.

Habs fan here..
congrats on the acquisition of Captain Courage.

Ducks are now my 2nd favorite team...and..as I doubt we'll be part of the major contenders this very year...I seriously hope you guys will get the cup to Saku's hands..the guy deserves it!

Go Ducks!

What amazes me about Saku is that every post from Hab fans has been very positive about him. It sounds like he is a real class guy. Now we have three very, very class players; Teemu, Saku and Todd M. The team has others, but these three are the best IMO.

I'm not certain how many Captains a team may have. If its four I would give the C to Scotty and the A's to Getz, Saku and Marchant.

They aren't going to give an "A" to Koivie. I base this on the fact that Randy says you have to prove your worth before anything happens. I doubt Koivu even cares. He had enough of leadership with the terrible media in Montreal always criticizing him.

As for the Beach signing not being worth Koivu. Sorry to say, but you are wrong. The number 2 centermen was the biggest concern of ANA since the way Burke dealt with the Cap and traded Andy away. I am sure there is a trade in the mix for Giggy, as he reportedly gave a list of teams he wouldn't mind playing for.

Isn't that saying that you actually are against the signing?

simply put no. I don't disagree with the koivu signing at all cuz this gives us one of if not the best 2nd line in the western conference, but having a guy like beauch on D to eat up minutes while playing solid D is something that is going to be hard to replace. te addition of Boynton and hopefully Wiz would change my mind though as it gives us a solid top 4. basically, I didn't want to have to play a young guy in our top four even if it meant not signing Koivu, if that makes sense.

Welcome Habs fans
Hopefully you guys will have a secondary team to cheer for that actually plays tough gritty hockey to compensate for the midgets you guys have. No offense i feel your pain, we've been there too

A lot of us are very excited to see the midg--erm, Habs play this year. Should be an interesting season.

Go Koivu.

Have you ever seen so many people designate their 2nd favorite team? lol it's cool and all, but we need to get their ***** at the Honda Center so we can rid ourselves of this budget ****...

Anyway, good signing. I thought a top 4 dman was a bigger priority, but adding Koivu and Boynton is a damn good job by Murray.

Well Habs fans like myself may not be able to make it down to the Honda center, but we will certainly help jersey sales for the Ducks.


One more Habs fan (30 years) that will be tuninig into Ducks games.

I have NEVER had a second favorite team, but captain,oh my captain...nobody will be cheering louder than me for your success.:handclap:

It will hiurt very deeply to see Koivu in any other jersey, similar to the day Lafleur came back to Montreal in a Nordique jersey.

Much success to you Saku and the Ducks this year!:nod:

lol i wonder what would have happened had Koivu signed with Boston or Toronto. probably would have not gotten the same reaction.

Welcome Habs fans
Hopefully you guys will have a secondary team to cheer for that actually plays tough gritty hockey to compensate for the midgets you guys have. No offense i feel your pain, we've been there too

Moen says hi.

buy official Ducks Koivu things habs fans.

Habs fans, vote Koivu, Selanne, Getzlaf, Perry, Niedermayer, and Jiggy/Hiller.

You guys got a gem with Saku. He's one of the classiest guys in the league. His heart, courage, determination, and leadership is simply unmatched.

It's hard to imagine him not wearing the red white and blue.
Best of luck to Saks and the Ducks.

How does that amaze you? Have you never heard about the guy before?


Yes I have. I have also heard about Teemu and Marchant and have seen several negative posts about them. As I said in my post I was amazed that there was not one negative post about Saku from the Hab fans. Not One. Yes - I heard and knew of Saku, but I was still amazed of all positive responses.

Carlyle hands out the letters as he sees fit. Teemu does too much yapping to wear a letter (as does Getzy but he just has to have one).

The first season (post-lockout) it was voted on by the players. If Koivu is an Alternate, I'd like it to be the players choice this time as well. It's nothing against Koivu, it's just Marchant has so much more history with the team.

The first season (post-lockout) it was voted on by the players. If Koivu is an Alternate, I'd like it to be the players choice this time as well. It's nothing against Koivu, it's just Marchant has so much more history with the team.

Marchant is the kind of guy that doesn't need to have a letter on his chest to be a leader and let his voice be heard.

You mean let his voice be beard.

You mean let his voice be beard.

booooooo!

Marchant is the kind of guy that doesn't need to have a letter on his chest to be a leader and let his voice be heard.I've always maintained that you don't need a letter to be a leader.

You mean let his voice be beard.Get off the stage!

Can't stop me. I'm rolling tonight.

Saku interviewed in Finnish YLE TV1, the national network. Quotes below.

"I could never have imagined that an experienced and, in particular, old player like myself could still get so excited [about the move to Ducks]."

"[I have a] Feeling of expectation. as if it's taking too long for the training camp to get started. I would rather hit the ice next week."

"They [Anaheim] offer a chance to succeed quickly. I wanted first and foremost to make it to a finished article and become a part of a winning team."

"California sun and a certain new way of life felt exciting as well."

"If we get to give it a try in the same line with Teemu, that is something we have past experience of. It will hopefully help me adjust to the style of play and the entire environment."

"I have to earn my spot all over again. After close to a decade as captain in Montreal, I am fairly relieved for a chance to be just one of the guys and focus on my own thing."

Transcript link (in Finnish):
http://yle.fi/urheilu/lajit/jaakiekko/nhl/2009/07/saku_koivu_odottaa_jo_anaheimin_aurinkoa_153247.ht ml

Saku interviewed in Finnish YLE TV1, the national network. Quotes below.

"I could never have imagined that an experienced and, in particular, old player like myself could still get so excited [about the move to Ducks]."

"[I have a] Feeling of expectation. as if it's taking too long for the training camp to get started. I would rather hit the ice next week."

"They [Anaheim] offer a chance to succeed quickly. I wanted first and foremost to make it to a finished article and become a part of a winning team."

"California sun and a certain new way of life felt exciting as well."

"If we get to give it a try in the same line with Teemu, that is something we have past experience of. It will hopefully help me adjust to the style of play and the entire environment."

"I have to earn my spot all over again. After close to a decade as captain in Montreal, I am fairly relieved for a chance to be just one of the guys and focus on my own thing."

Transcript link (in Finnish):
http://yle.fi/urheilu/lajit/jaakiekko/nhl/2009/07/saku_koivu_odottaa_jo_anaheimin_aurinkoa_153247.ht ml

Damn! This dude just oozes class out of every pore on his body. Sounds like he's not taking anything for granted and is actually going to try to earn his spot on the team (unlike Bertuzzi and Morrison). Hopefully he stays healthy and ends up lifting that big silvery thing.

I've always maintained that you don't need a letter to be a leader.

Get off the stage!

It's not about the letter on the chest it's about the crest.

Saku interviewed in Finnish YLE TV1, the national network. Quotes below.

"I could never have imagined that an experienced and, in particular, old player like myself could still get so excited [about the move to Ducks]."

"[I have a] Feeling of expectation. as if it's taking too long for the training camp to get started. I would rather hit the ice next week."

"They [Anaheim] offer a chance to succeed quickly. I wanted first and foremost to make it to a finished article and become a part of a winning team."

"California sun and a certain new way of life felt exciting as well."

"If we get to give it a try in the same line with Teemu, that is something we have past experience of. It will hopefully help me adjust to the style of play and the entire environment."

"I have to earn my spot all over again. After close to a decade as captain in Montreal, I am fairly relieved for a chance to be just one of the guys and focus on my own thing."

Transcript link (in Finnish):
http://yle.fi/urheilu/lajit/jaakiekko/nhl/2009/07/saku_koivu_odottaa_jo_anaheimin_aurinkoa_153247.ht ml

I hope you don't let me down Saku. I'm so excited to see another played on the team at the same level as Selanne and I'm just not talking about talent.

Damn! This dude just oozes class out of every pore on his body. Sounds like he's not taking anything for granted and is actually going to try to earn his spot on the team (unlike Bertuzzi and Morrison). Hopefully he stays healthy and ends up lifting that big silvery thing.

My sentiments exactly.

Sure just like every other Finn and his dog I have always had a soft spot for Koivu, the career from Cinderella Worlds championship to Habland and the adversities along the way can't leave you anything but impressed. Even if he's a TPS product and a Turku native, which is a definite issue. :D

But and I want to emphasize this, he is really going out of his way to remain humble, to not take anything for granted, and to show respect and admiration for Ducks as a team and an organization. Sheer class, pure and simple. I am more and more excited about this with each passing day.

There's more actually, the local Turku desk of YLE apparently got a longer interview out of him. Quotes enclosed:

"My plan, and goal, is to play for another 3-4 years. Of course at this stage you've got to stay healthy and avoid any major injuries. I believe that playing at the top, and especially as years go by, you gain a lot mentally. Getting excited and finding new motivation will take you far."

"I am just so horribly excited about the coming season. I haven't had feelings like this for hockey for a long time. I hope this will give me a new punch on the ice, and new enjoyment of playing."

"[On Vancouver 2010] Well sure, of course! If I am fit, I am motivated to come along. It's an apex of sorts for the season. It is turning into a tremendous hockey tournament, and certainly my final Olympics. Personally I have really good memories from past Games."

"My fitness is good at the moment. Last season I had a minor ankle injury, but that is forgotten now. I have trained well for the past month and a half, and the results are showing. I've still got July and August for training, and that is enough."

"We will put up the Montreal flat for sale, and then go to Anaheim to have a look around. Things remain a bit open, but we expect to move in late August, early September."

Transcript link (in Finnish):
http://yle.fi/alueet/turku/2009/07/saku_koivu_pelaisi_viela_vuosia_863435.html

Finally, in the televised interview Saku elaborated his role as "one of the guys", how he expects to support the "core group of Ducks players" (read: Getz) as opposed to standing out as the captain himself, and focus on his own play.

This is the fantasy trade I have made every time when I have gotten a new NHL game, since NHL 97. Always put Saku and Teemu together.

Those guys have amazing chemistry and have dominated the big rink when ever they have been together and healthy, much more so than any of the other "big lines" in those tournaments.

I would like to see a "Lehtinen" on the other wing though, if that guy is a defensive forward, then Koivu has more chance of creating plays and actually contributing offensively, because he has all the tools for that but never really was allowed to do that outside the national team. Saku is a complete player, plays well both ways, but he is a brilliant playmaker and should be used as such to get the maximum out of him.

I will have to get center ice because of this move. Ducks are easily my #1 team now. And I think they are both so hyped up about this deal that they will be in great shape and put some great numbers up.

I would like to see a "Lehtinen" on the other wing though, if that guy is a defensive forward, then Koivu has more chance of creating plays and actually contributing offensively, because he has all the tools for that but never really was allowed to do that outside the national team. Saku is a complete player, plays well both ways, but he is a brilliant playmaker and should be used as such to get the maximum out of him.

While he's far from Jere Lehtinen, I wonder if Petteri Nokelainen will get a shot with those two. He's Finnish, with a very good defensive conscience and some skill to boot. If that all Finnish tandem could succeed, that could open up some very interesting combos for the other three lines.

While he's far from Jere Lehtinen, I wonder if Petteri Nokelainen will get a shot with those two. He's Finnish, with a very good defensive conscience and some skill to boot. If that all Finnish tandem could succeed, that could open up some very interesting combos for the other three lines.

Certainly worth a try, then they would also have a common language that most opponents would not understand...hehe.

From the Montreal board the thread, "who will get boo'ed next season":
"Koivu wont be in montreal this year as far as I know. Whenever he comes back, I think we will hear the biggest cheer for the opposition since Guy Lafleur's final game against the habs"

Sounds like a fun place for Koivu to play even when a duck.

I believe they'll try the Finnish line earlier proposed in the thread at the start of the season. Nokelainen, Koivu, Selänne. Nokelainen got defensive skills, Koivu and Selänne will handle the offense.

Today I saw an article in Finnish tabloid that Saku has bought a house from Irvine.

Saku: "Buying a house was a risk because I only have 1 year deal with the Ducks but if I play here about 4 years then it was a good deal"

"If everything goes well I would like to make a 2 year deal with the Ducks after the season. After that 1 year a time. Ideal situation would be to retire here." And his wife feel the same way too.

- - - - - - -

So Koivu family seems to be enjoying the Ducks and the Cali lifestyle already!

- - - - - - -

Other stuff from the article too: Saku was eating in a restaurant with his wife Hanna and she said can you see the difference. Saku said what difference and then he realised what she ment...they can eat in privacy. It's nice to be a "nobody/regular people" his wife said.

Today I saw an article in Finnish tabloid that Saku has bought a house from Irvine.

Saku: "Buying a house was a risk because I only have 1 year deal with the Ducks but if I play here about 4 years then it was a good deal"

"If everything goes well I would like to make a 2 year deal with the Ducks after the season. After that 1 year a time. Ideal situation would be to retire here." And his wife feel the same way too.

- - - - - - -

So Koivu family seems to be enjoying the Cali lifestyle already!

- - - - - - -

Other stuff from the article too: Saku was eating in a restaurant with his wife Hanna and she said can you see the difference. Saku said what difference and the he realised what she ment...they can eat in privacy. It's nice to be a "nobody/regular people" his wife said.

oh man that is great to hear. seeing him flying in that first preseason game got me real excited. hopefully he can help Teemu retire as a winner.

oh man that is great to hear. seeing him flying in that first preseason game got me real excited. hopefully he can help Teemu retire as a winner.

I read another article this week about Teemu retiring after this season. He was quoted something like "This is definitely my last year, though i've had a few definitely last years already". Also said Koivu is already talking to him about continuing past this season.

I'd love to have Koivu play for us for a few more years. He seems the kind of guy whose game will decline gradually over time due to his effort and vision instead of dropping off suddenly. He could be our 2nd line C for a couple years and then an excellent bottom-6er.

I've always said the day after Saku hoists the cup I was going to get that picture tattooed. Even with him signing with the Ducks I still hold true to my word.

Koivu > Habs

you guys are lucky to have him

I've always said the day after Saku hoists the cup I was going to get that picture tattooed. Even with him signing with the Ducks I still hold true to my word.

Koivu > Habs

you guys are lucky to have him

Every Ducks' fan here is probably hoping you have to get that tattoo. :)

Welcome Habs fans
Hopefully you guys will have a secondary team to cheer for that actually plays tough gritty hockey to compensate for the midgets you guys have. No offense i feel your pain, we've been there too

Moen says hi.

As do Stewert, O'Byrne, Laraque, Mara, Gionta, Latendresse, MaxPac, Lapierre, Hamrlik, S Kost, and Gill.

http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/roster.htm We have 0 defenseman and 5 forwards under 6'. It just so happens that 3 of them were the big signing in the off season so people blow it up.

In fact, 7 (Including Chipchura who is injured and not listed for some reason) of the forwards are over 6'2". That's the same total as the Big Bad Ducks.


I will also be watching a lot more Ducks games this year.

Here's hoping for a SC Finals match up!! ;)

As do Stewert, O'Byrne, Laraque, Mara, Gionta, Latendresse, MaxPac, Lapierre, Hamrlik, S Kost, and Gill.

http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/roster.htm We have 0 defenseman and 5 forwards under 6'. It just so happens that 3 of them were the big signing in the off season so people blow it up.

In fact, 7 (Including Chipchura who is injured and not listed for some reason) of the forwards are over 6'2". That's the same total as the Big Bad Ducks.

Bold are most definitely synonymous with tough hockey :sarcasm:.

Just because you are tall and big doesn't mean you are tough and gritty. Conversely, just because you are small and feisty, doesn't mean you're going to be feared.

Bold are most definitely synonymous with tough hockey :sarcasm:.

Just because you are tall and big doesn't mean you are tough and gritty. Conversely, just because you are small and feisty, doesn't mean you're going to be feared.

Who said anything about feared? He said tough and gritty.

Have you ever seen any of the players you bolded play?

Here's O'Byrne for starts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHGSQKWAn8w

He may b e best known for his own goal, but he can hit like a truck. He's also listed at 6'5"-6'6" 235lbs.

Gionta was up in Chara's face the other night, and gave Malkin a shove for a hit he didn't like.

MaxPac and Latendresse are a couple of Montreal's best hitters and are young power forwards...

There's also been a lot of talk how Latendresse and O'Byrne have kicked it up a notch with a bit of a mean streak.

Gill is maybe the only questionable one on this list, but he's so big he seems tough when he stands his ground or clears the crease.

So I really don't know what you're talking about. Have you seen any of these players play before?

Whenever you have to list players like Gionta and S Kost to prove your team has toughness, you have lost the argument.

Whenever you have to list players like Gionta and S Kost to prove your team has toughness, you have lost the argument.

Win.

Who said anything about feared? He said tough and gritty.

Have you ever seen any of the players you bolded play?

Here's O'Byrne for starts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHGSQKWAn8w

He may b e best known for his own goal, but he can hit like a truck. He's also listed at 6'5"-6'6" 235lbs.

Gionta was up in Chara's face the other night, and gave Malkin a shove for a hit he didn't like.

MaxPac and Latendresse are a couple of Montreal's best hitters and are young power forwards...

There's also been a lot of talk how Latendresse and O'Byrne have kicked it up a notch with a bit of a mean streak.

Gill is maybe the only questionable one on this list, but he's so big he seems tough when he stands his ground or clears the crease.

So I really don't know what you're talking about. Have you seen any of these players play before?

:laugh: you've got some rosy glasses my friend.

Whenever you have to list players like Gionta and S Kost to prove your team has toughness, you have lost the argument.

They're more on the gritty side than tough. S Kost has been in a few fights, and plays with that edge to him. He's also listed at 208 pounds. Gionta is a little fireball and doesn't even back down from Chara.

Sure they're not heavy weights, but we said grit and toughness. You think Gionta could survive so many years in the league at 5'7" if he wasn't at least tough? Think about it before you try to be a comedian.

Also, when someone bolds O'Byrne, MaxPax and Latendresse, and says they're not tough, it pretty much shows they've never seen any of those players play a single game before.


:laugh: you've got some rosy glasses my friend.

You didn't answer my question. Have you even even seen O'Byrne play? Grit and toughness is pretty much his whole game... what else does he bring? And you highlight him try and make a joke about how he's not tough.

How many Habs games did you see last year? Be honest, cause having "rosy glasses" is better than being blind.

They're more on the gritty side than tough. S Kost has been in a few fights, and plays with that edge to him. He's also listed at 208 pounds. Gionta is a little fireball and doesn't even back down from Chara.

Sure they're not heavy weights, but we said grit and toughness. You think Gionta could survive so many years in the league at 5'7" if he wasn't at least tough? Think about it before you try to be a comedian.

Also, when someone bolds O'Byrne, MaxPax and Latendresse, and says they're not tough, it pretty much shows they've never seen any of those players play a single game before.




You didn't answer my question. Have you even even seen O'Byrne play? Grit and toughness is pretty much his whole game... what else does he bring? And you highlight him try and make a joke about how he's not tough.

How many Habs games did you see last year? Be honest, cause having "rosy glasses" is better than being blind.

I watched Montreal play probably around 10 games last season and none of the players in bold came off as tough. At least, not in the way Duck fans think of tough. Just because you are big, try hard and lay the occasional soft hit, doesn't make you tough. Montreal isn't going to be a team that players fear.

I'll concede gritty though, you've definitely got a few players that play gritty.

I've always said the day after Saku hoists the cup I was going to get that picture tattooed. Even with him signing with the Ducks I still hold true to my word.

Koivu > Habs

you guys are lucky to have him

Cheer for the Ducks then, you traitor.

How is Koivu doing in the pre-season? All-class and no skill, right?

They're more on the gritty side than tough. S Kost has been in a few fights, and plays with that edge to him. He's also listed at 208 pounds. Gionta is a little fireball and doesn't even back down from Chara.

Listen, Gionta might push Chara in a scrum but that doesn't make him tough or even gritty. I admit that he's not a soft player but he's not tough or even particularly gritty.

S Kost 208lbs? So what, Eric Daze was 240lbs and softer than wet toiletpaper. 2 fights during his career doesn't make him tough either. Selanne has 3 fights and has laid much bigger hits than SK but nobody's calling him tough.

If you include players like Gionta and SK on your "tough/gritty list", every fanbase can list 20 players on their lists. Gionta and SK don't stand out in any way.

When I list the tough/gritty players on Ducks, the list includes Getzlaf, Brown, Parros, Boynton, Brookbank, R2 and Wiz. I wouldn't include players like Ryan, Nokelainen, Marchant, McCarthy or Sbisa because at this point they don't stand out (though they might later, especially Ryan and Sbisa).

Gionta would need a ladder and some lifts to get into chara's face.

I watched Montreal play probably around 10 games last season and none of the players in bold came off as tough. At least, not in the way Duck fans think of tough. Just because you are big, try hard and lay the occasional soft hit, doesn't make you tough. Montreal isn't going to be a team that players fear.

I'll concede gritty though, you've definitely got a few players that play gritty.

I can see people being thrown off by s lost an gionta. But it really depends on how you define tough. You guys seems to just list big guys who could be called "tough guys". I'm not saying these players instill fear. Just that s kost plays that edgy game, and that gionta is tough in the way that he needs to be tough to survive because of his size.

Basically neither are pushovers or soft.

But ya getzlaf vs s kost would be no contest. I just think especially this years Habs don't deserve the "soft" reputation they have around these parts.

Listen, Gionta might push Chara in a scrum but that doesn't make him tough or even gritty. I admit that he's not a soft player but he's not tough or even particularly gritty.

S Kost 208lbs? So what, Eric Daze was 240lbs and softer than wet toiletpaper. 2 fights during his career doesn't make him tough either. Selanne has 3 fights and has laid much bigger hits than SK but nobody's calling him tough.

If you include players like Gionta and SK on your "tough/gritty list", every fanbase can list 20 players on their lists. Gionta and SK don't stand out in any way.

When I list the tough/gritty players on Ducks, the list includes Getzlaf, Brown, Parros, Boynton, Brookbank, R2 and Wiz. I wouldn't include players like Ryan, Nokelainen, Marchant, McCarthy or Sbisa because at this point they don't stand out (though they might later, especially Ryan and Sbisa).

You can't compare hockey players to general population, you have to compare them to other teams. Habs are in the lower end of the rankings in terms of toughness.

Let's put it this way, which teams are softer than Habs?

Listen, Gionta might push Chara in a scrum but that doesn't make him tough or even gritty. I admit that he's not a soft player but he's not tough or even particularly gritty.

S Kost 208lbs? So what, Eric Daze was 240lbs and softer than wet toiletpaper. 2 fights during his career doesn't make him tough either. Selanne has 3 fights and has laid much bigger hits than SK but nobody's calling him tough.

If you include players like Gionta and SK on your "tough/gritty list", every fanbase can list 20 players on their lists. Gionta and SK don't stand out in any way.

When I list the tough/gritty players on Ducks, the list includes Getzlaf, Brown, Parros, Boynton, Brookbank, R2 and Wiz. I wouldn't include players like Ryan, Nokelainen, Marchant, McCarthy or Sbisa because at this point they don't stand out (though they might later, especially Ryan and Sbisa).

Perry and Ryan could possibly be added to that list. Both have dropped the gloves quite a bit, but I guess I could see why they wouldn't be on the list.

You can't compare hockey players to general population, you have to compare them to other teams. Habs are in the lower end of the rankings in terms of toughness.

Let's put it this way, which teams are softer than Habs?

Now you're changing the subject. There's a difference between being aggressive and being gritty. We don't care if our team intimidates no one. They have enough grit to win. You DO NOT have to play like the Ducks and try to intimidate other teams to win. The Habs are a speed team and they have been for a long time.

Soft? The Habs are not an aggressive team because that's not their game. We are a speed and talent team.

Soft? The Habs are not an aggressive team because that's not their game. We are a speed and talent team.

Hal Gill begs to differ.

Hal Gill begs to differ.

:facepalm:

What an interesting discussion. Not. Do we even play the Habs this season?

no wonder Koivu was happy to leave that fanbase.

What an interesting discussion. Not. Do we even play the Habs this season?

Should be playing them at home, since we played them in Montreal last season.

Now you're changing the subject. There's a difference between being aggressive and being gritty. We don't care if our team intimidates no one. They have enough grit to win. You DO NOT have to play like the Ducks and try to intimidate other teams to win. The Habs are a speed team and they have been for a long time.

Soft? The Habs are not an aggressive team because that's not their game. We are a speed and talent team.

I'm not changing the subject, you are. I was replying to the poster who was listing the gritty/tough players in Habs and I disagreed with some of them.

I have zero problem with Habs strategy (even though I prefer physical teams), just stating my opinion about some of those players that your fellow Habs fan called gritty/tough.

Should be playing them at home, since we played them in Montreal last season.

Yep, Ducks home game this season.

guys, i wanted to see how Saks is doing so far in preseason, i wish him success with the ducks, a true class act, will he play with selanne this year? i

btw other habs fan, this isnt our montreal board we should keep focus on the ducks and Koivu.

Good luck to you guys.

no wonder Koivu was happy to leave that fanbase.

That was a pretty unfair comment considering pretty much all the Habs fans who have come in here so far have praised Koivu like mad except one or two guys. Come on.

I was just gonna come in here to wish you guys and Saku all a good year. Will definitely be going for the Ducks in the West again this season.

That was a pretty unfair comment considering pretty much all the Habs fans who have come in here so far have praised Koivu like mad except one or two guys. Come on.


Was it? Yes there are Habs fans who have praised Koivu a lot but still in Montreal there is quite a bit more than two guys who have samekind of thoughts. You know those who thinks something sucks keeps always bigger noise than those who thinks everything is ok.
And that crap was poored on a guy who was a heart and soul of Canadiens. If Koivu doesn't get a standing ovation he next time plays in Montreal, I'm quite dissapointed.


But let's get back to topic. Great to see Koivu getting some points
and proving his game. Just can't wait when the season starts and especially next springs playoffs. Koivu is always at his best when it matters and finally he has some quality players on team who also will produce in playoffs. Hopefully Koivu will score big points in regular season and Montreal will be quiet.

Was it? Yes there are Habs fans who have praised Koivu a lot but still in Montreal there is quite a bit more than two guys who have samekind of thoughts. You know those who thinks something sucks keeps always bigger noise than those who thinks everything is ok.
And that crap was poored on a guy who was a heart and soul of Canadiens. If Koivu doesn't get a standing ovation he next time plays in Montreal, I'm quite dissapointed.


Go look at the thread on the Habs board when Koivu signed with you guys. You'll see probably 9 out of 10, if not more, posters saying how much they liked and will miss Koivu. Hell, there's a thread on our board right now saying that the organization should build a statue of Saku outside the Bell Centre, and retire his number.

Real fans of the Canadiens loved Koivu, and I take it as a personal insult when you accuse our fanbase of driving Koivu out of town when actually he was adored here and was just not offered a new contract by our GM.

Also, 200% guarantee that Koivu gets an ovation when he comes back to Montreal.

The only way I can explain Saku not being offered a new contract was that Bob Gainey was unhappy with Koivu's leadership during last season's meltdown. Must've been some internal thing we'll never hear about, and was serious enough that they decided to quietly part ways. From a hockey perspective Koivu >>>>> Plekanec as a 2nd line C so I'm sure we're not hearing the full story to explain it cuz Saku is still a terrific player and didnt seem to be demanding a huge contract or anything. Only a few hardcore french idiots (the curse of quebec) were on Koivu's case, 90% of fans loved him.

Honestly the ducks look amazing now, got that solid 2nd line they didn't have in playoffs (Lupul-Koivu-Selanne woulda def put u over top of detroit), great goaltending, and still a top 10 D. I will be putting money on Anaheim to come out of west.

Cheer for the Ducks then, you traitor.

How is Koivu doing in the pre-season? All-class and no skill, right?

You couldn't be further from the truth.

Koivu has looked pretty good in the pre-season. The guy seems to have eyes in the back of his head. He's creating all kinds of offense when he's on the ice.

But I suppose if it helps you feel better thinking he has no skill...

Saku looks amazing, he does not look 35 at all, he's finally gonna play with some top tier talent and he should thrive, he and Selanne look great together so far he'll be the bargain of the off-season and will lead to him and Teemu signing on for next year as well

I'm not changing the subject, you are. I was replying to the poster who was listing the gritty/tough players in Habs and I disagreed with some of them.

I have zero problem with Habs strategy (even though I prefer physical teams), just stating my opinion about some of those players that your fellow Habs fan called gritty/tough.

This (http://habsinsideout.com/boone) is a link for a write up on S Kost since he was sent down. It's by Mike Boone, one of the journalists who covers the habs.

Couple quotes:

"First off, I love the kid. I think he's more versatile and tougher than his brother."

"When Sergei came up two years ago, the French media picked up on his toughness."

But hey, what does he know.

I'm sure you're in a better position to tell Habs fans what their players are like

We can all see the games, guy. And we've all seen enough stories from the "French media" to know how seriously to take their estimations and opinions.

You couldn't be further from the truth.

Koivu has looked pretty good in the pre-season. The guy seems to have eyes in the back of his head. He's creating all kinds of offense when he's on the ice.

But I suppose if it helps you feel better thinking he has no skill...

Koivu has world class vision and Hockey IQ. Get ready to be amazed at his toughness when games get tougher. I know its been said and all but he could have been one of the best player to wear a Habs jersey if it wasnt for his cancer, almost ending career eye injury and surgycally repaired knees. However, despite all of that hes still bringing it, no, we didnt deserve him in Montreal.

By the way, hes awsome in the playoffs look at his stats.

We can all see the games, guy. And we've all seen enough stories from the "French media" to know how seriously to take their estimations and opinions.

To be fair, if anything, the french media is tougher on the Habs than most. Although, from what I remember hearing, they aren't a fan of rough and tumble hockey, so maybe calling him gritty is bad from their perspective......

We can all see the games, guy. And we've all seen enough stories from the "French media" to know how seriously to take their estimations and opinions.

I guess you didn't look at the link. Mike Boone isn't the "French media".

Just because the word french media is used in the article, doesn't make it by the french media.

But, whatever. I'm talking to a brick wall. You guys already have your mind set, and it doesn't seem to matter what the media, or a fan who's seen 160+ habs games in the last 2 seasons thinks. Instead you bash the whole fan base when they don't agree with your ignorant assessment. I doubt the majority of posters who have chimed in with their opinion have seen any Habs games in the last couple years, but they're still an expert on the subject.

I just hope Koivu can live up to your tough expectations.

No wonder he only signed a 1 year deal... :sarcasm:

I guess you didn't look at the link. Mike Boone isn't the "French media".

Just because the word french media is used in the article, doesn't make it by the french media.

But, whatever. I'm talking to a brick wall. You guys already have your mind set, and it doesn't seem to matter what the media, or a fan who's seen 160+ habs games in the last 2 seasons thinks. Instead you bash the whole fan base when they don't agree with your ignorant assessment. I doubt the majority of posters who have chimed in with their opinion have seen any Habs games in the last couple years, but they're still an expert on the subject.

I just hope Koivu can live up to your tough expectations.

No wonder he only signed a 1 year deal... :sarcasm:
And then he got so angry he fired his pistols into the ground with such force that it levitated him into the air.

Koivu wants to be a winner, he'll show that. All of what I am asking for is a 60-75 point season or some VERY timely goals to win us games. I don't think of duck fans are asking for more.

I guess you didn't look at the link. Mike Boone isn't the "French media".

Just because the word french media is used in the article, doesn't make it by the french media.

But, whatever. I'm talking to a brick wall. You guys already have your mind set, and it doesn't seem to matter what the media, or a fan who's seen 160+ habs games in the last 2 seasons thinks. Instead you bash the whole fan base when they don't agree with your ignorant assessment. I doubt the majority of posters who have chimed in with their opinion have seen any Habs games in the last couple years, but they're still an expert on the subject.

I just hope Koivu can live up to your tough expectations.

No wonder he only signed a 1 year deal... :sarcasm:

To be honest, I agree with you somewhat. I think some, especially Pepper, look at the name, the team and his birth country and assume he's soft. While I wouldn't call him all that tough, he's definitely not the opposite, either. Definitely has some grit to his game. And really, all the new additions they made do. That's one thing I definitely noticed(aside from the fact that their big three additions are all small and all highly skilled). They might have the team toughness Anaheim does or the same tough customers, but few teams do, so it's unfair for a fan of any team, ours or yours, to make that comparison. In reality, the Habs have quite a few skill players with grit, one or two who are a little soft, a few grinders and BGL. Nothing that's going to scare teams like the Ducks or Flyers might, but hardly soft at all.

Are we really still on this subject? Fine, Montreal is one of the toughest teams in the league, SKost and Gionta are warriors no one wants to mess with, happy?

But, whatever. I'm talking to a brick wall. You guys already have your mind set, and it doesn't seem to matter what the media, or a fan who's seen 160+ habs games in the last 2 seasons thinks. Instead you bash the whole fan base when they don't agree with your ignorant assessment. I doubt the majority of posters who have chimed in with their opinion have seen any Habs games in the last couple years, but they're still an expert on the subject.

Translation to anglaise:

"I'm not happy with you people not agreeing me about my views of the Habs so I will now throw a tantrum and make your opinions go away by claiming that none of you have watched Habs games even though anyone can watch them via CI or internet"

Yeah, you sure showed us there big guy. Why don't you just do the french thing and retreat back to the Habs board and tell everyone how bad we are.

Like I said, I don't consider S Kost tough or even particularly gritty but I assume that you Habs fans have little different standards when it comes to physical play.

To be honest, I agree with you somewhat. I think some, especially Pepper, look at the name, the team and his birth country and assume he's soft.

Yeah, that's it. Not only do I look at the birth country, I also look at the birth village to determine how tough a player is. Also things that I take into consideration when making player assesments are favorite band, political views, brand of car and mother's maiden name.

In short, don't be an idiot. R2 is tough despite being russian, so is Markov. Nasty Naz was very tough when he played for us.

And if you had bothered to read my posts (I know, it might too much to ask from someone like you who doesn't like facts getting in the way of good argument), I never called him soft. I just said I don't see him particularly tough or gritty.

Yeah, that's it. Not only do I look at the birth country, I also look at the birth village to determine how tough a player is. Also things that I take into consideration when making player assesments are favorite band, political views, brand of car and mother's maiden name.

In short, don't be an idiot. R2 is tough despite being russian, so is Markov. Nasty Naz was very tough when he played for us.


Tough despite being Russian?
Yeah, this really doesn't sound like you're making assumptions about how tough a player is based on his birth country. Oops! ;)

Tough despite being Russian?
Yeah, this really doesn't sound like you're making assumptions about how tough a player is based on his birth country. Oops! ;)

Pepper is a Finn I believe, I doubt he has any quarrels with considering Euros tough.

Pepper is a Finn I believe, I doubt he has any quarrels with considering Euros tough.

If he's not Finnish he does. If Pepper were in charge, he woulda ran Pahlsson outta town because he wasn't gritty enough.

At least he's no dirk, though.

If he's not Finnish he does. If Pepper were in charge, he woulda ran Pahlsson outta town because he wasn't gritty enough.

At least he's no dirk, though.

Well, Pahlsson is a Swede, we all know Finns and Swedes aren't the best of friends :).

Tough despite being Russian?
Yeah, this really doesn't sound like you're making assumptions about how tough a player is based on his birth country. Oops! ;)

You read it all wrong. The poster I was replying to claimed that I base my assesments on nationality and if that were the case, I wouldn't consider R2 tough because he's russian.

If he's not Finnish he does. If Pepper were in charge, he woulda ran Pahlsson outta town because he wasn't gritty enough.

At least he's no dirk, though.

Totally wrong, stop spewing your crap. I was ready to jettison Pahlsson before 05-06 because he wasn't providing enough offense and we had not seen the super checking line of Nieds-Pahlsson-Moen yet. After that line gelled, I had zero problem with him. Also the fact that we got much more offense from the first 2 lines helped, the years before we simply didn't have the luxury of having 20pts 3rd line center eating 13-15mins of icetime per game.

Totally wrong, stop spewing your crap. I was ready to jettison Pahlsson before 05-06 because he wasn't providing enough offense and we had not seen the super checking line of Nieds-Pahlsson-Moen yet. After that line gelled, I had zero problem with him. Also the fact that we got much more offense from the first 2 lines helped, the years before we simply didn't have the luxury of having 20pts 3rd line center eating 13-15mins of icetime per game.

Need a mirror?

Totally wrong, stop spewing your crap. I was ready to jettison Pahlsson before 05-06 because he wasn't providing enough offense and we had not seen the super checking line of Nieds-Pahlsson-Moen yet. After that line gelled, I had zero problem with him. Also the fact that we got much more offense from the first 2 lines helped, the years before we simply didn't have the luxury of having 20pts 3rd line center eating 13-15mins of icetime per game.

Most teams' checking line centers don't provide a ton of offense. THN voted Pahlsson as our MVP in 03-04 and many posters on here agreed with that assessment. Also, he was quite cheap and again, far and away the best PKer on the team. And after reading some old posts, I guess you weren't as toughness-crazed as I thought. Just very, very dumb.

Sorry, though. After reading more it's dirk that got the boners over toughness and called Pahlsson soft. In my defense, though, it's not hard to confuse the two of you.

Need a mirror?

For a board clown you really need to work on your comedy, you're funny only when you're not trying to be.

For a board clown you really need to work on your comedy, you're funny only when you're not trying to be.

:banghead:

I'll work on it.

What are Ducks fans' expectations out of Koivu? Is he officially the second line center? How's he looked so far?

What are Ducks fans' expectations out of Koivu? Is he officially the second line center? How's he looked so far?

We are expecting a solid year from him. He is the 2nd line center as of now with Teemu and Lupul as his wingers. He's looked really good IMO... has a nice jump to his step and is setting the other 2 up well. Hopefully the chemistry between the 3 of them develops a little more.