Day 6 FA Frenzy: Koivu signs with Anaheim

July 8, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Day 6 saw one big name finally find a new team. Former Montreal captain Saku Koivu has decided to head West for Orange County where he’ll team with Finnish buddy Teemu Selanne and Anaheim. Not a bad choice as just maybe the popular former Hab will get a realistic shot to chase Lord Stanley, inking a one-year deal worth $3.25 million.

There had also been interest in the 34 year-old playmaking pivot shown by the Devils and Rangers. Guess getting the chance to team with your countryman was higher on the list than seeking long-term security. If you assess the Ducks, they’re probably a better fit than either Hudson rivals who aren’t going to be favorites in a loaded East that includes the defending champion Pens, revamped Flyers and hungry Bruins. Figure Alex Ovechkin and the Caps to also be in the mix.

If it were me, I’d rather play out West too. Sure. Koivu’s new team still has to contend with powerhouse Detroit and emerging Chicago as well as chief rival San Jose and Vancouver. The latter two haven’t proven they have what it takes while the Red Wings and Blackhawks have their rosters largely intact that comprised the Western Conference Final.

Even if Jiri Hudler really bolts for Dynamo Moscow of the KHL, the Wings will remain a force. Somehow, they’ll manage minus traitor Marian Hossa with Mikael Samuelsson easily replaced. As long as Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Johan Franzen, Nick Lidstrom, Brian Rafalski, Niklas Kronwall and Chris Osgood wear the Winged Wheel, they can’t be taken lightly. With emerging players such as Valtteri Filppula, Darren Helm, Ville Leino, Justin Abdelkader and Jonathan Ericsson, borrowing a phrase from legendary Buffalo announce Rick Jeanneret, Detroit’s depth is “scary good.”

That said, I’d still rather play in that conference than have to deal with the two-headed Malkin/Crosby monster in Pitt which should only get better. If only the Pens didn’t boast one of the league’s best in Marc-Andre Fleury. Jordan Staal, Sergei Gonchar, Brooks Orpik and Kris Letang aren’t pushovers.

As for Koivu, he finishes his 13-year Canadien career with 191 goals and 450 assists totaling 641 points in 792 games. Now, he’ll be asked to play a supporting role as Anaheim’s second line center behind the dynamic trio of Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan. Figure him to team with long-time Finnish Olympic ‘mate Selanne on an improved roster that also added Joffrey Lupul via the Chris Pronger deal. With support players including Erik Christensen, Andrew Ebbett, Todd Marchant, Rob Niedermayer (UFA), Ryan Carter, Petteri Nokelainen and Drew Miller, the Ducks should be formidable.

The blueline is plenty stable minus Pronger and recently departed Francois Beauchemin with veteran Scott Niedermayer anchoring it along with Ryan Whitney, James Wisniewski, ex-Flyer No.1 pick Lucas Sbisa and Brendan Mikkelson. Boasting two No.1 caliber goalies in Jonas Hiller and Jean-Sebastien Giguere if he’s not moved, Anaheim should be a serious contender.

Not much else has happened today. Just one minor trade with Dallas acquiring goalie Alex Auld from Ottawa for a 2010 sixth round pick. Seems like a steal for Joe Nieuwendyk, who gets a steady backup who can also fill in if Marty Turco struggles like last year. He took advantage of a numbers situation with the Sens needing to move Auld with Pascal Leclaire expected to start with Brian Elliott backing up.

Here are today’s other signings:

1.Doug Janik signs with Red Wings for a year, two-way contract. The extra part in the Gomez/Higgins deal will probably spend a lot of time in Grand Rapids.

2.Jim Slater re-signs with Thrashers (no terms). Solid spark plug returns to Hotlanta.

3.Kurtis Foster signs with Lightning (terms disclosed). He was a solid player on the Minny blueline before injuries limited him to just 10 games this past season. It’s a smart calculated risk. Guess Big Bird ain’t staying.

That’s all for now. We’ll update later.