Canadiens let Koivu walk

The Saku Koivu era for the Canadiens has come to a close after 13 seasons -- 10 as captain -- with the Bleu, Blanc et Rouge.

According to the Montreal Gazette, the Canadiens decided to move in a different direction and did not offer Koivu a contract.

On September 30, 1999, Koivu was named the Canadiens' 27th captain, and became the first European-born captain franchise history.

"We felt it was time to put a new face on this team," Canadiens GM Bob Gainey told the Gazette.

Gainey also indicated that he talked with Koivu yesterday and thanked him for his contribution to the team.

Koivu is being heavily pursued by the Minnesota Wild and has also been contacted by the Anaheim Ducks. He is expected to make a decision on his future some time today.

The Canadiens replaced Koivu by acquiring Scott Gomez from the New York Rangers on Monday.

Yesterday, the team signed unrestricted free agent forwards Mike Cammalleri and Brian Gionta to five-year contracts.

Meanwhile, Gainey also indicated that the team offered Alex Kovalev a two-year deal yesterday. However, that offer has since been pulled and the two sides are expected to talk later today...


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