Here's some news on the newcoming prospect of the Montreal Canadiens: Aatos Koivu!
Habs' fans are no strangers to the Koivu family name since Saku Koivu served as the Montreal Canadiens' captain for a decade, but now a new Koivu is ready to make his mark.
Aatos Koivu was selected 70th overall by the Canadiens at the 2024 NHL Draft.
Aatos recalls the moment he was picked:
«When I saw that Montreal had the next pick, I knew there was a chance, because they told me at the combine that they were interested in me. [] I didn't hear my name on the TV, but my mom jumped up and she started screaming; she was like, 'Oh my god, oh my god!» I said, «What are you screaming about?» Then I saw my name on the TV, I jumped up and then I saw my dad jumped up and everyone else. It was an unbelievable moment. I'm never going to forget that. I would do pretty much anything to live that moment again. It was very, very special for me and my whole family.»
Aatos identifies with just like father's responsible in his two-way playstyle.
«Playing in both directions. He's always been a very responsible, two-way centerman, and I see myself as a responsible player who plays and wants to play in both directions-not just because I have to, because it's something that I want to do.»
Carrying the Koivu name brings expectations, but Aatos uses it as motivation on his side.
"When I was younger, there was a little bit of pressure because I was a lot smaller and, to be honest, not as good as the other boys. So, I was kind of thinking, 'Why am I not as good as my dad and uncle were?' But as I've gotten bigger and stronger and developed like I'm supposed to, I kind of just see it as motivation. I don't just want to be known as Saku's son, because I want to make a name for myself. I believe I can do that, and I believe I can become an even better player than him or my uncle. So, that definitely motivates me to make a name for myself."
Aatos looks forward to visiting Montreal again, likely at next summer's development camp.
"Probably next summer at development camp. I believe I will be there if I get an invitation from the team. I don't remember too much about the city - I mean the Bell Centre, of course, who could forget that? I do remember some things, but not too much, so I'm excited to see everything. People talk a lot about how amazing it is, including my dad. He's been talking about how amazing it is, and I've heard only good things from him."
He also recalls meeting Juraj Slafkovsky when Slafkovsky played for TPS Turku.
"I did! He probably won't remember, but I remember for sure, because everyone knew who he was and how big of a star he was at TPS. I met him a couple of times. I remember him, but if you ask him, I don't think he'll remember me. [laughs]"
Do you think Aatos Koivu will follow in the footsteps of his father with the Montreal Canadiens?
| POLL | ||
Do you think Aatos Koivu will follow in the footsteps of his father Saku with the Montreal Canadiens? | ||
| Yes | 25 | 53.2 % |
| No | 22 | 46.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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