Montreal Canadiens: History of NHL Award winners in the 2000’s
By Omar L
Battle and Fight
Saku Koivu‘s story with the Montreal Canadiens started in 1993. The team drafted the centre 21st overall, and he made his NHL debut two years later. Koivu was always up there in scoring raves amongst players in the league, but injuries would cut his journey short.
The Finn was named the 27th captain of the Habs after Vincent Damphousse chose to retire becoming the first European player to do so. However, a dislocated shoulder and knee injury held him only to play 24 games. It was a similar story in the 2000-01 season where knee surgery held Koivu to 54 games, but he was still able to put up 47 points for the Montreal Canadiens.
The next year would be heavy for the entire city. Koivu was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma on September 6th, 2001. Fans and players around the world showed their support and sent well-wishes for his safe recovery. What was remarkable about the story was his return.
Koivu was expected to miss the entire 2001-02 season but instead returned with two games left to spare. To say the fans at the Bell Centre were loud that night is an understatement.
Koivu had two assists in that short stretch of the regular season helping the Montreal Canadiens secure a playoff spot.
There are few words to describe what he accomplished that year. For his efforts to get back on the ice while going through cancer treatment, Koivu was awarded the Bill Masterton Trophy that year. The award goes to the player who best displays perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. Koivu was the obvious choice that season.
That wouldn’t be the only award for him in a Habs sweater. Five years later, Koivu was awarded the King Clancy Trophy for leadership on and off the ice as well as work in the community. This stems from the Saku Koivu Foundation which works to raise money in support of cancer and trauma at the Montreal General Hospital.