Saku Koivu: A Humble Father and Hockey Legend
Saku Koivu is known for his humble demeanor, and that hasn’t changed as he steps into the role of father to a budding hockey player. Recently, he returned to Montreal, the city where he spent significant time as a player, to support his son Aatos during the Montreal Canadiens’ development camp. This marked Koivu’s first visit back since 2019, but true to his character, he avoided any media engagements to allow his son to shine in the spotlight.
Reflections on a Legendary Career
After his return home to Turku, Finland, Koivu shared his reflections in an interview with the Journal de Montreal. During his trip to Montreal, the former Canadiens captain made brief appearances at the Bell Centre, kindly offering autographs and taking photos with fans without seeking attention for himself.
His nostalgia was palpable, recalling his past filled with triumphs and struggles, including his cancer diagnosis during the peak of his career. Becoming the Canadiens’ captain and having the longest tenure in that role, matched only by the legendary Jean Beliveau, Koivu was released as a free agent before the 2009-10 season during a significant team restructuring led by then-general manager Bob Gainey.
A Grateful Return
As he nears his 51st birthday, Koivu is thankful for his good health, having conquered cancer and celebrated a heartwarming comeback that earned him one of the most touching ovations in modern sports history. His emotional connection to Montreal was rekindled during his visit, where he also revisited his family’s former residence, offering poignant reflections on how quickly time passes.
Looking Ahead: Aatos and the Future
Currently, Koivu is involved in the local hockey scene as a board member of his hometown team in Turku, but he spends most of his time in construction, an industry he has embraced for over a decade. Regarding Aatos, optimism surrounds his performance at the development camp, suggesting that Saku’s visits to Montreal may become more frequent, unlike his six-year hiatus.
Aatos is wrapping up his contract with TPS Turku and is also set to graduate this season, but his future career trajectory remains uncertain. He may sign with Turku again, or aim higher, targeting opportunities in the AHL or American college hockey. Meanwhile, the Canadiens are expected to weigh their options regarding Aatos as his contract status evolves.
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images.
