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Aatos Koivu: 'I think I’m a better player than my father (Saku) was at the same age'.
David Reginek-Imagn Images

Aatos Koivu: 'I think I’m a better player than my father (Saku) was at the same age'.

Originally posted on Dose.ca  |  Last updated Sep 14, 2024 12:23 PM ET

During the latest National Hockey League draft, the Montreal Canadiens really stole the show, offering their fans some superb moments.

Of course, the selection of Ivan Demidov, announced by none other than Céline Dion, attracted the most attention, but the following day, another selection caused quite a stir.

I’m talking about the selection of Aatos Koivu, the son of former Habs captain Saku Koivu, in the third round (70ᵉ overall), which only widened the already huge smile on the faces of Habs fans.

Drafting the son of a former great Habs player who made history is a really good idea, even if for some, Koivu should have been drafted further.

Of course, there’s no guarantee with Aatos Koivu that he’ll make it to the NHL, let alone follow in his father’s footsteps and become a top player in Montreal.

No one expects Aatos Koivu to become the Habs’ #1 center, and for now, I think it’s best not to compare them too much, unless it comes directly from the main interested party.

Indeed, in a recent interview with the official Liiga website, Koivu didn’t shy away from comparing himself to Saku, even claiming that he thought he was better than his father at the same age.

Koivu spoke with such confidence after scoring his first career Liiga point in his first game of the season .

The 18-year-old even took the time to say that he clearly already had a better shot than his father at his prime.

Like his father, Aatos Koivu is playing in Finland’s top league at just 18 years of age, as well as for the same team, TPS Turku.

It’s also the team Juraj Slafkovsky played for.

In short, it’s clear that Aatos Koivu put on a bit of a show to tease his father a little, but in the end, it’s great to see the youngster so confident at such a young age.

He’s playing in Finland’s top league at 18, and it’s clear that his father must already be extremely proud of him.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on his development this season.

Imagine if one day in a few years, we were to see the name Koivu behind a Habs jersey.

It would be truly magical.

Overtime

– Nice.

– A new beginning for Patrice Bernier.

– A fourth consecutive pole position in Baku, Azerbaijan for Leclerc.

– Phew. Hard blow for Lando Norris and McLaren.

– Read more.

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

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