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Béliveau not shocked by Koivu's exit
posted by Dave Stubbs at 21h04 EST on Jul 5
Saku Koivu on the cover of Les Canadiens magazine, autumn, 1999:
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Dave Stubbs has been a sportswriter since 1976, which was roughly a decade after he wore the first of many holes through the knees of his jeans playing nets in road hockey (using a modified butterfly popularized by Hall of Famer Glenn Hall). He still has the welts to show on his shins from that rotten, frozen orange ball.
Stubbs kept thick hockey scrapbooks filled with game summaries and Gazette and Montreal Star stories, collected dozens of Bee Hive Corn Syrup photos and put a fortune of hockey cards through the spokes of his bikes. First book ever owned: Scrubs On Skates, the classic by Scott Young (Neil's dad).
Stubbs's fantasy is to travel back in time to the 1950s and watch the great Canadiens dynasty that won five consecutive Stanley Cups. Or a decade earlier, to watch Elmer Lach centre Rocket Richard and Toe Blake on the fearsome Punch Line. Or at least to get Rogie Vachon into the Hockey Hall of Fame – where he belongs.
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Good point by Engels: "A rally for Kovalev...How about a parade for Koivu?"
I'm sure a new link will be posted but here it is, straight from the top: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/kovalev-wont-be-back/article120789...
How did the Globe & mail get this news? I know why, MR WONDERFUL HIMSELF, oh and arragant to. That would be MR BRIAN BURK! I hope and pray that AK27 doesn't go to hog town.That would make me sick,sick,sick!
Best of luck Kovy where ever you end up playing,
Best of luck to Saku you will be missed.
Habs Fan 4 Ever & Ever Amen.
R.I.P. Kovy....Gainey has on CJAD radio that Kovy won't be back. My dad told me this morning and RDS just reports it.
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/277836.html
if indeed true, we'll always remember 09.07.06 :)
RIP Kovy. why are none of the news outlets (except RDS, now) reporting on this?? does Twitter have to do everything?
well, i guess it's time to get a Cammalleri or Gionta jersey now...
You'll probably get 5 years out of it :P
The Globe and Mail in todays on line edition report the same thing.
Oh well, time to turn the page. I was holding faint hope that either he or Saku would come back but I certainly wasn't counting on it. Let's praise their memory and move on.
In a way its very sad, to see both Koivu and Kovalev gone, cause with Hal Gill there, at least if Koivu would have stayed, then Chara would know his place. Koivu was great to watch early in the year when teams would be careful but a shame to watch him get knocked around late in the year, getting Laraques didn't help Koivu any. I guess the habs don't have a team spirit of protecting their "stars" like other teams, the habs have become a team of mercernaries where they are all out for their own. Hopefully we'll see a rivalry begin between the yankees and the remaining east euro players.
the talk around the internet yesterday was that Beauchemin was goin to sign today with either the Habs or the leafs...............seems to have gotten vewy quiet...( elmer fudd voice)......
thats been rumoured for the last week. iam sure Burke has the full court press on for him. if he does not sign with us. i hope he stays in anaheim.
well now that Kovy's gone (RIP Kovy), i hope we can spend the money on Beauchemin, then. that would at least put a band-aid on the Kovy news.
Did Kovy DIE? R.I.P.
no. but a part of us has :)
Pierre Groulx replace Rallie Melanson. Had to see that one coming. Another Jacque Martin associate!
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/277829.html
Can he speak good ENGLISH so Carey Price can understand his teaching method?
Most likely, considering he lived and worked in Florida the past 4 years.
You could have the world's best, heck even Tretiak to give tips, but if Carey wants to make sure he doesn't get that expensive paint job on his mask dented, he'll keep letting those floaters in.
You will be missed Captain K and I will be extremely disappointed if the fans at the Bell Centre boo him on his return to the Bell Centre...
Montreal fans can be classless, but that will never happen. Standing O for Saku when he comes back. Same for Kovy. Higgins will get a sitting O. They won't be so kind to Komisarek.
I personally believe that the French media in Montreal (and Quebec in general) are the main ones to blame for all the Habs' problems over the past years.
The main factor being all that BS chit-chat about the Canadiens and the French language (and Quebec born players). Such a distraction and a USELESS one at that.
I think the main reason for the turmoil last year was the players themselves. The young ones didn't want to listen to anyone and try as you might, you CAN'T hold their hands all of the time. You don't sign up as a veteran in hockey to play day-care. You sign to play the game and help your team win. Since when did hockey become about making sure your teammates stay in line all of the time? I put ZERO blame on Saku or Kovy for the way these binge drinking morons behaved during the season. I will take back those words if they can turn it around this upcoming season, though. (The binge drinking morons part.)
I cannot wait to hear Guy Carboneau' s side of the story. Will we as Fans ever find out what actually did happen inside the dressing room or elsewhere? Can someone on HI/O interview Guy like Dave did with Saku. Its amazing how this man was let go. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!
Thats a Laffs fan cop out and you know it! The only people to blame for the Habs' problems over the past years has been management unwiling to spend money on Montreal cause they think Montreal doesn't deserve the best! When we get owners who want to win, and spend money the right way, with the right players, then we'll see if its really the fault of the local media!
uhh George Gillete bought them a new trainig facilty, and always spent to the cap and got the best scoreboard in the nhl...i odnt think money spending was an issue
--- we need a kovalev
On my way to Brossard, see ya there folks!!!
Be good Ian, and give me a call if you can't make bail.
Go Ian!
Saku,
Best of Luck! Je me souviens!
A fne article, Dave. Nice ending. I saw it in the Ottawa Citizen too.
He's a class act, but in these days of caps and with Montreal seemingly having to pay more than anyone else, something has to give. Decisions have been made. While it's good to pay tribute, and I'm glad we are, it's just about time to look ahead and not back.
As Bill H has made me the new Summit Coordinator for the Habs Summit:
This year's Summit will be held in my living room in Chapel Hill. After some Apple Jack and Moon Pies we'll mosy on over to the RBC center. This year's game will be a barn-burner: The Canes versus say... The Thrashers.
I'll be setting up a reservation system shortly, but please don't crash my site!
LOL I am humbled by the power of my own suggestion.
John...Watch it...I'll show up at your house since I am coming from Fayetteville!!!
We'll have to go to a game together this year when the Habs come to the RBC...might be able to get some free tickets like last year and we can invite some HIO folks...
Go Habs Go!
Alright!
"Do you give the C to an experienced player who's just starting with the Canadiens?" he asked. "(Defenceman) Andrei Markov is the one who should have it, I think. But does he have the temperament to undertake all the responsibility?
"If Gainey brings back Alex Kovalev, it would be difficult not to make him captain."
Even the greatest Captain in Canadiens history thinks if Alex is back he SHOULD be Captain, I guess not all fans see how much of a leader Kovalev has been (well I know I have, but there are some that would agrue very strongly against it), I am just saying if he is good enough in Jean's eyes......
Saying "it would be difficut not to make him captain" is not exactly a ringing endorsement of Kovalev for the captaincy.
Much as I loved Koivu as a gutsy player and respected him as captain and much as I was alternately dazzled/frustrated by Kovalev, it's time to move on. I'm excited about this new season with new faces, a new culture in the dressing room and new owners. Fingers crossed for a responsbile new system and discipline on and off the ice.
Markov just doesn't come off as being a great leader. He seems like the quiet type that just keeps to himself.
While his experience and talent make him a good candidate, it just isn't enough. I say just go with 4 A's for next year, then decide from there who it should go to.
My choice for the 4 A's: Markov, one of the new top 3, Gorges, and Lapierre. I think Gorges could make a great captain in another year or two, same for Lapierre in a few more years.
I would take anything Jean says in this article with a pound of salt. Beliveau is being very political; he's crafty and that's good reason why he's lasted so long around the front office.
He never had to mention Kovy at all, since Kovy is not even a signed player, they were talking who should be captain out of the players on the team (from what I read) and to just throw that out there (in terms of Kovy being Captain) speaks volumes.
KOVY! KOVY! KOVY!
Cry me a river will yeah!!! Its time to move on like all others here on HI/O.
ahhh nobody is crying buddy, stop hijacking threads without contributing to the conversation!
... here are the players that are bringing their teams to arbitration ....... Zherdev, Hudler and ..... Other players filing for salary arbitration include: Anaheim Ducks D James Wisniewski; Atlanta Thrashers F Colby Armstrong; Boston Bruins F Matt Hunwick; Buffalo Sabres LW Clarke MacArthur; Carolina Hurricanes F Tuomo Ruutu; Chicago Blackhawks D Aaron Johnson; Columbus Blue Jackets D Marc Methot; Edmonton Oilers D Denis Grebeshkov; Minnesota Wild C Kyle Brodziak; Montreal Canadiens C Tomas Plekanec; New Jersey Devils F Travis Zajac; N.Y. Islanders C Nate Thompson; N.Y. Rangers RW Ryan Callahan; Phoenix Coyotes F Nigel Dawes and F Daniel Winnik; Tampa Bay Lightning D Matt Smaby; Vancouver Canucks F Kyle Wellwood; and Washington Capitals D Milan Jurcina.
This is for all of the posters who are heckling those who want Koivu and Kovalev back. While I am less passionate about keeping Kovalev, to me it is hard to say goodbye to Koivu. Some posters have even gone as far as calling our sentiments 'gay'. This is what I say to those who feel that the players are not important. To those who think we should just forget and move on... to those who say that players are just 'parts that become expendable":
The players help us grow an attachment to the team... without the players (Richard, Lafluer, Moore, etc.) we don't have a team... It's natural for us to grow attachment to players, and it is not 'gay' as you put it. Nobody can say, it was the logo that had you hooked on this team originally...
For me, it was the first time a player makes a cool move, or a big hit. The first time you see a goal and really feel the passion and excitement of the hockey game. My first experiences were with the heroes who lost to the Calgary Flames in 1989. Only a small boy at the time, I remember some of the players. I remember Carbo, Richer, Courtnall (from Victoria), Roy. I remember these players and their efforts for the team.
If you are from the other side of the country like I am you'd realize its more then just simply rooting for the home team. We root for the players who make up the team. Saku is the team and has been for 10 years. It is perfectly natural for us to feel that our club is leaving him high and dry.
There are those that believe that the players are not above the team... but if you start fresh (almost) like we have this week, true fans... those who know the players names, numbers, stats... know them by face... have followed them since their days in Jr.... will feel a loss. It is more then simply, "thanks for your services, we're moving on...". To me, that is a bandwagon fan perspective. A true fan will need some time to get over the loss of their favorites. It will take us time.
I for one am always going to miss and respect Koivu. Wherever he goes, I will wish him well. Am I less of a fan for that? Is it wrong for us to want him back? Should we move on? Yes, we should. Does it have to be now? No. Maybe that will change when he signs with another team... maybe not. Maybe it will change in October when a new season is upon us? Maybe not. Until then, those who are true fans... those who know what Koivu has done for the Montreal Candiens, his fans, the community, and the sport of hockey, will stand by and miss a man that has made our passion for this team grow tenfold. He's a small man with a big heart. Hats off to you Saku.
Heheh...
Haven't Habs fans always been a little eccentric? Fans tore the city apart for the Rocket... and, I heard this one year that fans marched the streets in an effort to convince the GM to sign a player!
In Memory of Saku's long stand with us I bring you a blast from the past
http://img132.imageshack.us/i/nhl99.jpg/
(haha....nhl 99 for the n64)
OH WAIT
http://img132.imageshack.us/i/statslhm.jpg/
Ahahahahahaha - true in 1999, true in 2009
Ok, this we can ALL agree on, Kovy and Koivu will always be part of my EA Sports team.
It's in the game.
A great article Mr. Stubbs. It's amazing how you guys provide us with new Habs related stories practically 365 days of the year! That's the way to all our hearts.
Still wishing I saw Koivu wearing the "C" just once more this season so that I along with many other fans could get the closure we desire. I know that is close to an impossibility though. I hope the organization has the decency to dedicate some time this season to honoring a man who brought more to this club than anyone has in a long time in my humble opinion of course. Wishing the Habs all the best this season.
C'est vrai qu'il était gros, non mais!
Peace Out
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Lord Bugs Potter, esq. Vicount of Vernersvurgh, Duke of Dickleberger and Follower Extraordinaire of The St.Flannel.
I like Saku, but I can't say this comes as a surprise. How many offensive zone hooking calls can Bob watch? Maybe you can't teach an old dog new NHL tricks.
come on, be fair. Saks was not hooking at all during the 2nd half of the season (if barely in the first). he'd done it so much the previous year that it was a known fact so he was probably looking out for it this season; and Carbo finally got a clue and played him less minutes, especially in the third period, making him less tired, thus less prone to hooking guys from behind because he couldn't catch up.
I'll go this that! Blame Carbo. BG blamed both though.
I have that issue of Canadiens mag
--- Change is good
So does anyone want to start a pool as to how long into the Development Camp that Ian gets his truck towed out of the parking lot, with him sleeping in it?!
LOL
Just kidding Ian.
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Ya! The Habs Rule!
Too late, he just drove it into the St Lawrence!
bahahaha
hahahahahaha, is he really doing what he said in his post? If so I think I'll go down just to see his truck.
Put me down 5$ for a day.
"And then he disappeared through a side door, into his future beyond Montreal."
Makes me sad :(
i remember watching Saku on the ice at that final game. he looked like he knew it was probably his last time as as part of the Canadiens. and then he was interviewed just outside the Habs dressing room after game on HNIC and it was heartbreaking to watch. a guy knowingly watching a huge chapter of his life coming to an end (and in such an ugly way as that season unfolded, as well). i truly felt for the guy.
"Koivu captained the Canadiens for 563 games, No. 3 all-time behind Beliveau's 712 and Gainey's 663."
Gainey doesn't want him to pass him! THAT'S IT! Greedy Bob!
people need to get over Koivu. He was way past his prime, injury prone, no leadership and couldn't score. he was washed up. All this fuss over a 16 goal scorer. it's enough. You should focus on Kovalev ONLY!
You're right, people need to focus on Kovalev, who is 36 years old (2 years older then Koivu...), so he's definitely in his prime, went like 20 games in a row without scoring a goal, and had to be sent home because he just didn't care anymore.
I agree somewhat,..but didn't the Habs just 'sign' an EIGHT MILLION DOLLAR, 16 goal score'er,who I might add isn't any bigger in the height department,& may prove to be less large in the 'Heart ' Department
Koivu did wear & believe in the Crest on the Chest....................(albeit) He was the best of a poor lot,for many years,Unfortunately for him,because he may have done better elsewhere,over the years,.....
However let's hope this 'new version' of the Habs can at least be competetive,although I seriously doubt any contenders coming out of this fray............
lol @ Kovy. A guy who's never come close to living up to his potential and where teams probably pissed away atleast half the paychecks they gave him while he went through the motions on the ice. The guy is a cancer to the team. Any vet who shows that little amount of effort is a horrible example for younger players. Good riddance. There was a time when he was my fav player, long gone. Tired of his garbage.
To point the finger at one guy is kinda over the top, truth is he was one of many tumors. i understand your point however and must line up with ya. Glad to see him go and to have suitable replacements. Kovy coudn't be counted on, and was a negative element far to often!
"the guy is a cancer": you're a class act habhunter, a real class act.
You do understand what that means right? I could care less about your "class" btw. Just so you know.
Saku Koivu had non-Hodgkin' Lymphoma, beat it and still plays at an NHL level.
So yes, your comments seriously lack any class of any kind.
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Ya! The Habs Rule!
To his defense, he was talking about Kovalev :P
Exactly,.................... Koivu ,could never be considered anything but a Class Act, Kovalev mostly considered a Floater & the Habs would do well to get rid of him.............
Even then, Kovalev has won a cup. Habhunter is just in a really sour mood I suppose. He also got 21 pts in 23 games the year he won the cup. Is he older now and producing less? Yes. Is he as useless and as 'cancerous' (using that word bothers me) that you (habhunter) make him out to be? No.
Don't try reasoning with him. He's a loose cannon. Haha.
Yeah I caught that after. Seeing it was a Koivu article I mis-read it.
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Ya! The Habs Rule!
Hah! Well his rant is redundant and annoying, I will admit.
You're so charming.
You need to relax.
Tell me who was the better player? Saku is now 34 and Kovalev is 36 years old respectively. They were together for 5 years and you can check it out at www.canadiens.com Koivu had a heart of a lion. Enough said. If kovalev had to showed any determination the way Saku played would be no contest.
Kovalev played 314 games by scoring 103 goals and 161 assist for 264 points during the regular season. In the Playoffs he played 33 games by scoring 17 goals and 14 assist for 31 points.
Koivu played 445 games by scoring 106 goals and 253 assist for 359 points during the regular season. In the Playoffs he played 25 games bt scoring 6 goals ans 19 assist for 25 points.
I need cheering up.. Watch BGL vs Colton Orr again. Especially like the blow by blow calling.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzBSICvS0Dk&feature=relatedThat's amazing. I thought the only videos of BGL fighting were on grainy black and white film.
The guy Gainey signed seems to be some new age philosopher vegan opposed to physical confrontation of any kind.
Great article Dave, as always.
"Bob is out of town."
LOL I was wondering why they'd have a rally on a Sunday afternoon when any relevant people who work at the Bell Centre would be nowhere near it.
The four "trap doored" captains I suspect would be Keane, Muller, Damphousse and Turgeon?
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Ya! The Habs Rule!
Jean's line "Maybe Bob is out of town" was brilliant. I think it was more a suggestion that a rally wasn't going to change the GM's strategy than it was about the event being held on a Sunday.
Close about the captains... the four were Carbo, Muller, Keane and Turgeon, from 1994 through 1996.
Dave Stubbs
Habs Inside/Out
Sports Columnist/Feature Writer, Montreal Gazette
I was thinking about Carbo as the fourth, but I thought he wanted out and asked for a trade in a non-Heatley way.
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Ya! The Habs Rule!
Thanks for writing that Dave. Its a very good article. I wish Saku all the best wherever he lands.
I think most here are grieving the loss of Saku, and I expect he is grieving himself. At the same time, I recognize the need for change on the team and am optimistic for next season. I hope Saku feels the same from his perspective.
Saku Koivu merits respect and admiration for his contribution to Les Canadiens de Montréal as a player, a captain and a person. I don't believe we should denigrate anyone in defending an opinion.
As a player he had many qualities as many HIO bloggers and columnists have stated. As a person we all recognize what he had to overcome not too many years ago with his bout with cancer. He truly was a special person and this part of his legacy will never be forgotten by ALL true Habs fans.
Although Koivu wasn't the captain I expected in the past year--I was left disappointed with his apperent newtrality in the wake of what was an on-going plague in the dressing room--my opinion is expressed with a very strong dose of respect for the man and the player.
To the Koivu nay-sayers, who while having the right to express an opinion, let me say that you should show respect in doing so. I defend your right to having a different opinion as I do when I compare how I perceive Koivu with the opinions of others. But don't do it without respecting him; remember when not a single fan at the Bell stood up and celebrated Koivu's return to the line-up when he had just completed what many considered something miraculous in doing so after his bout with cancer.
This is what the pundits are celebrating more than anything: the Boones, Fishers, Stubbs and Hickeys who we read and listen to with passion.
It's all about compassion. I remember writing an E-mail to Stubbs about my take on Koivu. It wasn't what many would agree with but I expressed my thoughts and feelings with respect and compassion I believe. Dave responded with interest and appreciation to my opinions and thanked me for it.
So please be grateful and compassionate. He was more than a captain, he was very human. Too introspective but never condescending or laking respect. I found him to be a person of strong moral fiber and intrinsically a very fascinating person with facets of his personality I believe many of us would have enjoyed exploring further.
His time has come and passed it appears. The same thing happened with Carbo, Keane, Damphousse and Turgeon just to name a few. Others, who didn't wear the C also had to move on, the likes of Lafleur, Robinson, Harvey, Moore, Marshall and Goyette. Nobody is protected. Nobody is sheltered.
I consider Koivu's departure to be similar to so many others. What I don't accept is the diatribe and personal attacks on his person. I would say the same thing about Latendresse. Koivu's contribution as a person who had to overcome what so few players have had to in their careers merits our respect and admiration, despite our opinions of him as player and or captain.
Best of luck to you Saku. God speed.
Georges Drouin
A wonderful post indeed. Someday there might be a tribute to Saku Koivu in the City he love to play hockey in. All the best my friend Saku Koivu. Being a soldier for 33 years and found it very hard to let go, is not easy thing at all. Family is one thing in life we all have to adjust to and your departure is felt sincerely. You were a great leader and I recommend you dearly for your great contributions to this organization for the City of Montreal. You will be deeply missed and Fans will applaud you when you come back. Bon Voyage Saku and Family. Take Care and God Bless.
Georges, with the possible exception of posters calling us all "fags" or "crybabies" who obviously aren't regulars here, I haven't really heard anyone denigrate Saku. Now I have heard posters cut down others for their opinions, but that's to be expected in "bread and circus" blog format as we have here.
This isn't the United Nations, or the Assemblee Nationale, it's hockey... lighten up.
Letting Koivu go is stupid. What's more is that he's going to look like a genious for walking away from this planecrash trainwreck. Up next: revolving captains, coaches and GM's over the next few seasons. Welcome to 1998 all over again, Montreal. Gainey has dumped everyone except the one person responsible.
I don't understand people like you who aren't giving the Habs a chance at all next season. Two seasons ago everyone picked us to be last, we were first. This season everyone picked us to be top 3, we barely made the playoffs and probably shouldn't have. So no one knows what is going to happen. If you think it is that easy to tell how a team will be maybe you should start betting on sports, see how that works out.