Anaheim Ducks forward Saku Koivu retires
By Cory Buck
Saku Koivu sat back while his Finnish teammate Teemu Selanne soaked in an outpouring of love from Anaheim Ducks fans after the team’s Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. Fans cheered Selanne as he skated in full gear for the last time in the NHL. Little did they realize that would be the last time they’d cheer for Koivu, who announced his retirement on Wednesday per Sportsnet.
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The former first-round round pick of the Montreal Canadiens was known for his skill and his class, both of which defined his final year in the NHL. Koivu was slowed with injury en route to a 29-point season that saw him miss the Sochi Olympics as well. He was still a leader in the locker room, with a solid two-way game to boot. Koivu’s career contributions are hardly in question, as the 39-year-old produced 832 points in 1,124 career games.
Ducks GM Bob Murray lamented the decision to let Koivu go, which ultimately paved the way for Koivu’s retirement, but said he had no other choice. “He had a great career,” Murray said in late June. “We just have younger guys pushing for spots.”
Koivu hasn’t said whether he’ll end up in the KHL or Finnish league beyond this year. Finnish KHL team Jokerit has already offered Teemu Selanne a mammoth contract, so it stands to reason Koivu might join him if Selanne opts to play once more. For now though, it appears Koivu will be hanging up the skates.