LAS VEGAS – The Koivu family name will always remain magical in Montreal. But it could live again in the future through Aatos, Saku’s son.
On the second day of the Vegas Sphere draft, the Canadiens made Hollywood history by selecting Aatos in the third round with the 70th overall pick.
Thirty-one years ago, Saku Koivu donned the Habs uniform with the 21st pick in the draft. A sign that it was a long time ago, that draft was held in the old Colisée de Québec and the Nordiques were still in the NHL. At that time, there were only 26 teams.
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Unlike his father who made the trip to Quebec, Aatos watched the draft from home in Finland.
“It’s surreal, I’m super happy,” Aatos said during a video conference. I can’t find the words to describe how I feel. It’s incredible. The Canadiens are a great organization and the city of Montreal is great. »
Aatos described the moment he saw his name appear next to the Canadiens logo.
“It was an incredible feeling,” he said. “Everyone was quiet. We knew Montreal had the next pick. I was watching it, but I wasn’t talking. I didn’t really hear my name, but my mom started screaming and jumping. She was like, ‘Oh my god.’ I finally saw my name. My dad was jumping up and down. Everyone was happy, my family and friends. It took me a little while to realize that I had just been drafted. I still can’t describe the feeling.”
Aatos still had a huge smile on his face when he spoke with journalists. You could easily see all his pride.
No more pressure
Aatos always grew up with the reality of being the son of a very well-known player in the world of hockey. He will always keep Koivu’s name behind his back. In a city like Montreal, he will often be talked about his father, who wore the captain’s “C” for nine seasons with the CH.
“I don’t think it will be any harder, I think I can create a name for myself,” Aatos replied. I will play my way, my way. I would like to be the best player possible. I know people will know who my father is, where he played. It will be like that in Montreal. But I don’t think that’s a bad thing.
“In my youth, I didn’t really feel any pressure,” he continued. People knew my father. Opponents sometimes shouted my last name. I got used to it. I want to be more than Saku’s son. I want to make my own name. »
