Saku Koivu has a remarkable story of a path through his 18 years in the NHL. The 39-year-old played in 1,124 games, suiting up for the Montreal Canadiens and the Anaheim Ducks.
His true character was demonstrated when he overcame non-Hodgkins lymphoma during the course of the 2001-02 season. He played in only three games that year and received the NHL Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is given to a player who personifies perseverance and sportsmanship, according to hockey-reference.com .
Over the course of his career, he tallied 255 goals and 577 assists for a total of 832 points. His best seasons came following his recovery from lymphoma. In his first full year back (2002-03), he posted 71 points and 21 goals. Four years later, he amassed career-highs with 75 points and 22 goals.
Koivu became the captain of the Canadiens in 1999 and held the title for 10 years. He was the first European-born player to hold that honor in franchise history, reports USA Today .
“He was an inspiration, a mentor, a friend, and an unbelievable competitor,” teammate Sheldon Souray tweeted. “He showed me what it meant to be a professional in a city that didn't expect anything less than excellence. He set the bar high both on and off the ice and truly showed the world what the word 'courage' meant.”
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