Finnish · Turku, Finland · Born 23 November 1974Finnish ice hockey center who captained Montreal Canadiens for 10 seasons and overcame cancer to become inspirational leader in NHL and internationally
Saku Aleksi Koivu was born in Turku, Finland in 1974. Montreal Canadiens selected him 21st overall in the 1993 NHL Draft. His 18-season career produced 255 goals and 621 assists for 876 career points. He served as the Canadiens' captain from 1999 to 2009 — the first non-Canadian to captain the team. He won the Bill Masterton Award for perseverance and dedication in 2002 — after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in September 2001, undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment through the winter and returning to play in April 2002 for the final regular season games. His return to the Bell Centre produced the most emotional standing ovation in franchise history. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2021. He won Olympic bronze with Finland in 1998. His combination of skilled playmaking, leadership and the extraordinary courage he demonstrated through cancer treatment made him one of the most deeply respected figures in Montreal sports history. His brother Mikko Koivu also had a distinguished NHL career with the Minnesota Wild.
He became the first European captain in Montreal Canadiens history and courageously returned to play after battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
How They Played
Koivu was a skilled two-way center known for his exceptional hockey intelligence and playmaking ability. He combined strong defensive awareness with offensive creativity, serving as both a reliable faceoff specialist and distributor. His leadership qualities and work ethic made him effective in all game situations.
Lasting Impact
Koivu's courageous return from cancer inspired countless fans and players, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. He helped pave the way for European leadership in North American professional hockey.
Career Honours
- Bill Masterton Award (2002)
- Hall of Fame (2021)
- Olympic Bronze Medal (Finland 1998)
| Team | Period | GP | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal Canadiens | 1995–2009 | 832 | 255 |
| TPS | 1992–1995 | 128 | 23 |
| Anaheim Ducks | 2009–2014 | 324 | 67 |
 Finland | — | 87 | 20 |
Finnish Athletes