Ducks Re-Sign Saku Koivu

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that they have signed the veteran center; Saku Koivu to a one year contract extension worth 3 million dollars plus bonuses. The 37 year-old was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. In 74 games for the Ducks this past season, he scored 11 goals, 38 assists and was a +7. Saku Koivu has had an incredible career in hockey, both in the National Hockey League and at the International level.

Koivu was drafted by 21st overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1993 NHL draft. He played two more seasons in the Finnish League after he was drafted before he came over to play in the NHL. He made his debut in the NHL at the start of the 1995-96 season as he made the Canadiens out of camp and continued to play the complete season with them. In his rookie year, he scored 20 goals and added 25 assists for 45 points in 82 games. Koivu played 14 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. He was named captain of the Canadiens prior to his 5th season with the team. He served as captain of the team until the end of the 2008-09 season, which was his last season with the team. Koivu's best offensive season with the Canadiens was the 2006-07 season. He scored 22 goals and assisted on 53 goals for 75 points in 82 games that season.

Koivu is a warrior on and off the ice. On September 6th, 2001 Koivu was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma which is a type of cancer. He almost missed the entire 2001-02 season but he was able to battle back and defeat cancer. He returned to the ice on April 9th, 2002 and received an 8 minute standing ovation from the home crowd. He was awarded the Bill Masterton Trophy following the 2001-02 season. After that season, Koivu began a cancer-fighting foundation for other people known as the Saku Koivu Foundation. He recieved the King Clancy Trophy for his efforts in helping and supporting others to fight and beat cancer.

After the 2008-09 season, Koivu became an unrestricted free agent and signed a one year contract with the Anaheim Ducks, to play along side fellow countrymen; Teemu Selanne. Koivu re-signed with the Ducks after the season for two more years, and now has re-signed again for another year.

Koivu has played in 1012 NHL games with the Canadiens and the Ducks. He has recorded 236 goals and has 540 assists. Koivu has notched 55 points in 60 career playoff games. He has also had success on the International stage with Finland. He has played 28 Olympic games with Finland, scoring 9 times and adding 21 assists. He won the Olympic Bronze medal three times and the Olympic Silver once.

Anaheim Signing Rating: A-, he does not put up points like he used to but he is a great depth player who brings lots of veteran experience and leadership to the Ducks