Anaheim Ducks sign Saku Koivu to one-year contract

July 8, 7:55 PMAnaheim Ducks ExaminerLiz Brownstein

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Saku Koivu controls a bouncing puck against Columbus Blue Jackets (AP Photos).

The rumors surrounding Saku Koivu taking up a post in black, gold and orange were put to rest earlier today with an announced one year contract agreement bringing the Finnish forward to Anaheim.  The 34 year old center signed a single-year deal for 3.250 million dollars.

In the 2008-2009 regular season, Koivu appeared in 65 games with the Montreal Canadiens and contributed 50 points (16+34=50), as well as 4 games in the post-season and tallied up 3 points (0+3=3).  Throughout his entire career, Koivu has racked up 792 regular season games played and 641 points (191+450=641) including 66 powerplay goals, 9 shorthanded goals, and 35 game winning goals.  In his career, he has played in 54 playoff games, racking up 48 points (16+32=48) including 6 powerplay goals.  Koivu is also ranked 15th in faceoff percentage winning 54.1% of faceoffs taken. 

On top of the impressive numbers, Koivu also brings with him not only experience and skills as a playmaking center, but also the skills as a leader.  Do not be too surprised if Koivu steps into the vacant position as alternate captain. 

Koivu made many dreams come true with signing with the Ducks, including those of Teemu Selanne who vocalized his hopes to play with Koivu for a full season.  When asked about his perspective Koivu answered, “I’m very excited to join the Ducks this coming season.  I’m also looking forward to a full season with Teemu Selanne as a teammate.”

The respected number 11 is travelling to southern California from the Montreal Canadiens where he spent 13 seasons, including 9 seasons as captain.  Bob Murray summed up the contract signing very well when he said, "Saku Koivu’s character and leadership qualities are unquestioned.  He is a skilled playmaker and we are thrilled to add him to our team.” Trust me Murray, plenty of Ducks fans are rejoicing tonight.

So, yes, Anaheim has lost some great defenders in Francois Beauchemin and Chris Pronger, however by acquiring names such as Saku Koivu, re-signing Todd Marchant, and trusting prospects such as Luca Sbisa, Anaheim has just as strong (if not stronger) of a roster than last year.  So for anyone who questioned Bob Murray now has to take some comfort in knowing that the relatively new Anaheim GM has only made moves in the team's best interest.  More on Murray's moves as GM to come later.