Canada Sport News

Aatos Koivu, son of former Canadiens captain, drafted in third round by Montreal

June 29, 2024

The Montreal Canadiens selected forward Aatos Koivu, son of former captain Saku Koivu, with the 70th overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft on Saturday.

Aatos recorded 16 goals and 31 points across 28 games in Finland’s U20 SM-Sarja league and will now be a part of Montreal’s plans, just as his father was when the Habs selected him 21st overall in 1993.

Saku was a Canadien for 13 seasons, captaining the team for a decade between 1999 and 2009.

Becoming the first European-born captain in the franchise’s history, Saku posted 641 points with Montreal before making his way to Anaheim, where he played five seasons before announcing his retirement in 2014.

Aatos Koivu, the son of former Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu, made headlines recently after being drafted by the Canadiens in the third round of the NHL draft. The 18-year-old forward, who hails from Finland, is following in his father’s footsteps and hoping to make a name for himself in the NHL.

Aatos comes from a hockey family, with his father Saku having had a successful career in the NHL, playing over 1,000 games and serving as captain of the Canadiens for several years. Saku was known for his leadership on and off the ice, as well as his skill and determination. Aatos has clearly inherited some of his father’s talent, as he impressed scouts with his speed, skill, and hockey sense during his time playing in Finland.

Being drafted by the Canadiens is a dream come true for Aatos, who grew up watching his father play for the team. He has expressed his excitement at the opportunity to potentially play for the same organization that his father once led. While he knows he has big shoes to fill, Aatos is determined to make a name for himself in the NHL and create his own legacy.

Aatos will likely spend some time developing in the minor leagues before making the jump to the NHL, but he is eager to work hard and prove himself at every level. With his strong work ethic and natural talent, he has the potential to become a key player for the Canadiens in the future.

Fans of the Canadiens are excited to see what Aatos can bring to the team and are hopeful that he can help lead them to success in the years to come. With his family’s hockey pedigree and his own determination and skill, Aatos Koivu has the potential to become a star in the NHL and continue the Koivu legacy in Montreal.