Free Agent Centers & the Devils: Saku Koivu
by John Fischer on Jun 8, 2009 6:22 PM EDT
in Devils Issues & Views
21 comments
As discussed with Mike Komisarek, the Montreal Canadiens will almost assuredly have a different look in 2009-10 with the sheer amount of free agents they have. In addition to the five UFA defensemen they have, there are currently 6 RFA forwards and 5 UFA forwards according to NHL Numbers. And four of those 5 UFA forwards are the highest paid. So should the mood so strike the Canadiens management, it's the ripe to rebuild. Today, let's take a look at the best center available from Montreal: Saku Koivu. While they certainly aren't getting any younger, I think you will find that he would make for a very good fit as a second line center. And in my opinion, a better free agent option than, say, Robert Lang.
The younger of the two Canadiens centers available is definitely the more well known. The Finnish captain of the Bleu Blanc et Rouge is a legend if only for his burning desire both on and off the ice. He famously battled back from stomach cancer to not only live, but to put on the famed Montreal sweater and play his heart out in 2002. Robert Lefvebre at Habs' Eyes on the Prize has a fantastic account of not just his courageous Koivu's comeback but what Koivu means to the Canadiens. Even if you're already familiar with what transpired, I encourage you all to read it closely and take it all in. Truly, it seems off, but it's more than just possible that he'll finish his career outside of Quebec.
So Montreal's loss can be New Jersey's gain. Koivu's production and style of play would be great for a second line. Consider what Robert had to say about Koivu while he was reviewing Jacques Demers' comments about the Montreal free agents:
Demers fails to note that this so called 45 year old athlete finished second in playoff scoring and hit Zdeno Chara in the first round more often than a slew of less courageous bodies. Still viewed by too many for what he is not as a player, rather than for all that he is, I still believe Koivu is a keeper for two more seasons. It is true that he tends to max out after giving it his all after 16 to 18 minutes, but a better supported Koivu would offer a generous upside on his usually consistent output. The two week tease of him productively centering Kovalev and Tanguay begs for further investigation. The bottom line in going forward with Koivu, depends largely upon the club bringing in a center capable of assuming a larger role than either Plekanec or Lang were able to provide this past season.
There's a whole lot to like right there! Seeing a 5'10", 187 pound center throwing hits against the likes of Chara is certainly something we'd like to see. The scouting report on his player page notes his "fireball style" as a negative. I read that as something as a positive, as I think he'd fit in given the Devils' preference for battling along the boards for the puck on offense. Besides, there are some nights where you'd love to see someone like that take charge and Koivu can definitely do that!
Moving onward, Robert notes that Koivu has limits. Well, 16-18 minutes is definitely do-able for a second line center in New Jersey! In 2008-09, Zach Parise led the forwards in ice time per game and that was only 18:49 per game. No one forward really dominates in minutes last year and I don't expect that to change. So whether or not that is Koivu's limit isn't an issue. His minutes could be modified accordingly. As far as support, he could have Patrik Elias on his left and either Gionta (if he stays) and Rolston (if Gionta goes) on his right. Koivu's a playmaking center, as seen by the fact that he hasn't scored more than 22 goals in a season in his career yet consistently puts up 50-70 points. He'll have targets to set up both left and right on that line and it could be glorious. And a Devil will most likely have the puck after Koivu takes the faceoff. Despite playing only 65 games, Koivu still took 1,122 faceoffs and won 54.2% of them. Yes, he'll be better than Zubrus at faceoffs, unlike some of the centers already looked at so far!
So he's been productive enough to be an effective secondary scorer, he's primarily a playmaking center, he won't have to be the leader carrying the team at times he was in Montreal, he's quite good on faceoffs, and he's loaded with character, heart, moxie, guts, chutzpah, and so forth. I think he would be a far better signing that Montreal's other $4 million/year center, Robert Lang if only because Koivu is the better player.
While the two are different players - Lang is much older and has done better at scoring goals than Koivu, I feel Koivu would be more effective. Lang wasn't awful with 18 goals and 39 points in 50 games and his season was cut short by an injury to his achilles tendon. Yet, Lang's scouting report says it all: "Plays a soft game for his 6-2, 216-pound frame. Has below-average work ethic and speed." Whereas Koivu has a "fireball style," Lang is seen as a soft player who doesn't all that hard. Definitely not a trait that would fit in New Jersey! Devils forwards are expected to go to the boards when needed and comeback to help on defense, which in of itself can get physical. Should this report be valid, Lang should be avoided. Moreover, Lang is not nearly as successful at faceoffs as Koivu was - Lang took fewer faceoffs with 768 and he only won 48.8% of them. Lastly, at age 39, both Robert at Habs Eyes on the Prize and Jacques Demers seem to agree that Montreal can do better than signing him. Not exactly a vote of confidence for anyone else to sign him if those who follow and support Montreal don't seem to want the player back!
In the interest of being fair, Lang does match up well and in some cases better than Koivu according to Behind the Net's even strength statistics from last season. While the goals for per 60 shoot up to 2.99 when either steps on the ice (2.25 when Lang is not out there, 2.35 when Koivu is not out there), Lang has the superior CORSI rating (-2.5 to -4.5) and the shots against per 60 remain under 30 for Lang at 28.9 (from 27.1) whereas it shoots up to 32.1 (from 29.2). Moreover, while both have the same relative quality of teammates, Lang is accomplishing this with a higher relative quality of competition than Koivu (0.05 to 0.00). Still, based on the differences in each player's styles and the fact that Koivu's turning 35 and Lang is turning 39, I feel that Koivu should be the target over Lang.
The major problem with signing Koivu is that the Devils will pretty much expect that he's not playing the full season. While he's played a majority of seasons since 2002-03, his list of injuries is substantial enough to give a GM pause. As he gets older, he could be more prone to injury and illness. It's not a guarantee; and illnesses and injury could happen to anyone, but Koivu seems more prone to both. It's going to be a risk that anyone who signs him will have to be prepared for. With respect to the Devils, it may mean you'll see Dainius Zubrus (or someone else) take up center for a portion of the season. Hopefully, wherever he goes, Koivu stays healthy as best as he can.
A side issue is the money involved. Considering that he could very well not be playing more than 70 games, how much Koivu may want could become prohibitive. While he'll be turning 35 in the next season, I think he can still bring a lot to the table and so that comes with a price. I don't think he'll be able to get $4.75 million like he did last season, I can see him getting somewhere between $3-$4 million. I could be wrong on that number, but I expect whoever to sign him to give him a short-term deal. Either way, he would quite affordable for the Devils and I think they'll have the space to make additional signings to improve elsewhere (e.g. checking line center, defense, etc.)
Honestly, given how Koivu plays the game alone, I think the Devils should make him an offer. Since there aren't any sure-fire, low-risk, highly capable second line centers who aren't prohibitively expensive; the Devils will have to accept some risks and downsides should they look for one. In Koivu's case, it's his health and perhaps his age - not his talent, work ethic, and definitely not his passion or character. If he's given a 2 year deal and if he truly declines as a player, he won't be a massive albatross cap-wise or roster-wise. Provided he can stay fairly healthy and be ready for the playoffs, I would be more than comfortable with Koivu as a Devil for even $4 million/year as long as it's a short-term deal. I think he would be a solid short-term solution for that center position.
I thank the comments here and here that suggested Koivu. Now it's your turn. Perhaps I'm too positive about Koivu, or perhaps I was too negative on Lang. Perhaps you think I'm right. Perhaps you're thinking Arby's something else entirely. Either way, have your say in the comments.
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Sign Bergeron and Koivu and maybe throw some money at Bouwmester. You lose Gionta, Madden, Rupp, Shanahan, Weekes, Holik retired 2.5 million free. That should be enougt to sign Bergeron for 2 million, Sign Koivu for 4 or 5 million, Sign Bouwmester maybe for 7 or 8 million..??…. And maybe Malholtra..
Elias- Koivu- Rolston
Parise- Zajac- Langenbrunner
Pandolfo- Malholtra- Clarkson
Leblond- Zubrus- Halischuk
Defense
Martin- Oduya
Bergeron- Bouwmester
Salvador- White
There’s not enough money for both Koivu and Bouwmeester, much less those two and more signings. Also, you’re hoping Brodeur plays 82 games in that set up. It’s not possible.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog
If there isn’t any money left over than I would sign Koivu. Need a first line center for Elias and Rolston. Plaus, you sign Bergeron who is an offensive defenseman for 2 million. At least you can make a fight for Saku Koivu. And if Marty doesn’t play all 82 games which I hope he won’t we have Clemmer to back him up. Remember him the 25 win guy??? I never said Marty is going to play 82 games…..
Yes, but Clemmensen and Weekes are both free agents. What John is saying is that the money doesn’t work, we can’t sign all those guys and still have enough to sign a backup keeper, even if he takes the league minimum.
I would be pleased if we ended up with Koivu, we could do much worse than him for a second line centre. As mentioned in the article though, the one concern I have is his durability. Signing him to a short term deal would be great, but I feel like there’s some crazy GM out there who will be willing to give him a long contract.
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Koivu
Anyone else get the sense that LetsGoDevils doesn’t really understand how the salary cap and Free Agency work?? I"m waiting for him to eventually say “Why don’t the Devils sign Bouwmesster, Neidermyer, Both Sedins, Gaborik, Gionta and Cammallerri.. wouldn’t that make a great team!??” :/
I know I was all gung-ho for Cammallerri but Koivu was very much on my short list of “Please be a Devil in 2009-2010”. I still think Camm would be a great fit and work out as a full time centerand he’s only entering his prime. HOWEVER I also know a lot of teams are going to make plays for him, teams willing to overpay for him. And the likelihood of him being a Devil is slim and he’s not the sort of FA Lou usually zeros in on.
Koivu on the other hand is EXACTLY the sort of player Lou likes to bring in and I think he would make a great fit as well, especially for the short term goal of winning one more cup with Marty. he’s a little past his prime but still very, very effective and an asset on the ice and in the locker room. Like you said he’s very much worth the risk at 2-3 years at as much as 4 mill… even if he averages only 60-75 games a season. I also get the sense that Koivu is the sort of player who at this point in his career would take a chance at a Cup over a bigger payday… something the Devils can offer, and something he would certainly be an integral part of if they do go for their 4th.
Good points
And don’t forget, if Clemmensen re-signs, he’s not going to sign for the league minimum and have expectations of being a backup or going up and down to Lowell all season long after how he performed last year. Priorities should include Koivu/Cammalleri, Ohlund/Seidenberg/Oduya and then Clemmensen. Most of our UFA’s with the exception of Madden and maybe Shanny would want to come back. I wouldn’t mind seeing Rupp come back either to be honest. Would we rather bring up someone from Lowell to back up Marty or would we rather sign a dependable backup?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we should go after Koivu first. He’s a proven scorer, leader and plays with heart and determination. Gionta’s the same way, but he’ll probably go the way of Gomez and sign somewhere else for the money and the opportunity to repeat or better his 48-goal output in another uniform.
Lou’s surprised me before, when we brought in guys like Phil Housley, Neal Broten, Alexander Mogilny and Brendan Shanahan, so maybe it’s time he surprises us again to try and assure us fans what happened last year in the playoffs will not repeat itself.
J. Parise/J. Frazee
I’m not sure if this year’s the year to experiment but I would like to see either one of those two get some time in the NHL. With the way the Atlantic Division is shaping up, there won’t be too many easy games for us (are there ever?) and we don’t want to introduce our new goalie to an onslaught. Does anyone else think either of these two goalies are ready for prime time away from Lowell?
I’m not sure Jordan Parise is even a prospect anymore. I’m pretty sure I heard something about him playing in Europe last year. Moreover, Frazee is the only goaltender prospect listed on Hockey’s Future, which is usually fairly reliable about these things. This is one reason I really want to see the Devils draft or trade for a goalie prospect this year, or even sign one of the free agent goalies coming from the NCAA. I don’t think Frazee is the goalie of the future.
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I think Koivu could be effective as a band-aid,
but the club truly needs to start looking at a long term solution there, if possible. We haven’t had a play making center since Gomez left. I think Zajac is great at what he does, but it sure would be nice to have a center that could create some offense.
Koivu... a Devil?? Seriously?
Ok.. I give merit to all of the assessment of what Koivu brings. I agree he’s aging.
I can even agree that the Devs would be a better team with him than without. I also agree with the assessment of the NJ money situation.
Ok.. I give merit to all of the assessment of what Koivu brings. I agree he’s aging.
I can even agree that the Devs would be a better team with him than without. I also agree with the assessment of the NJ money situation.One thing I disagree with is the idea that the Devs are prepared to offer something they cannot possibly know they will have … a chance at the Cup. The comments here all have Koivu looking at a chance at a cup, not looking at money or anything else.
Ok.. I give merit to all of the assessment of what Koivu brings. I agree he’s aging.
I can even agree that the Devs would be a better team with him than without. I also agree with the assessment of the NJ money situation.One thing I disagree with is the idea that the Devs are prepared to offer something they cannot possibly know they will have … a chance at the Cup. The comments here all have Koivu looking at a chance at a cup, not looking at money or anything else.He’s been linked to conversations (well through the media) to Colorado, Minnesota (Where his younger brother plays) and there’s nothing yet saying that he’s available… We (The Habs) have up to the end of the month to assess and determine whether there will be a youth movement or simply a changing of the guard from within.
Ok.. I give merit to all of the assessment of what Koivu brings. I agree he’s aging.
I can even agree that the Devs would be a better team with him than without. I also agree with the assessment of the NJ money situation.One thing I disagree with is the idea that the Devs are prepared to offer something they cannot possibly know they will have … a chance at the Cup. The comments here all have Koivu looking at a chance at a cup, not looking at money or anything else.He’s been linked to conversations (well through the media) to Colorado, Minnesota (Where his younger brother plays) and there’s nothing yet saying that he’s available… We (The Habs) have up to the end of the month to assess and determine whether there will be a youth movement or simply a changing of the guard from within.I like what you say about OUR Captain, I really do like the way you all got together and put this up. I do believe Koivu, if he leaves the Habs will be in the Western Conference. Either with his brother or working with the Avs.
Ok.. I give merit to all of the assessment of what Koivu brings. I agree he’s aging.
I can even agree that the Devs would be a better team with him than without. I also agree with the assessment of the NJ money situation.One thing I disagree with is the idea that the Devs are prepared to offer something they cannot possibly know they will have … a chance at the Cup. The comments here all have Koivu looking at a chance at a cup, not looking at money or anything else.He’s been linked to conversations (well through the media) to Colorado, Minnesota (Where his younger brother plays) and there’s nothing yet saying that he’s available… We (The Habs) have up to the end of the month to assess and determine whether there will be a youth movement or simply a changing of the guard from within.I like what you say about OUR Captain, I really do like the way you all got together and put this up. I do believe Koivu, if he leaves the Habs will be in the Western Conference. Either with his brother or working with the Avs.Best of luck with sorting out your stuff….
Ok.. I give merit to all of the assessment of what Koivu brings. I agree he’s aging.
I can even agree that the Devs would be a better team with him than without. I also agree with the assessment of the NJ money situation.One thing I disagree with is the idea that the Devs are prepared to offer something they cannot possibly know they will have … a chance at the Cup. The comments here all have Koivu looking at a chance at a cup, not looking at money or anything else.He’s been linked to conversations (well through the media) to Colorado, Minnesota (Where his younger brother plays) and there’s nothing yet saying that he’s available… We (The Habs) have up to the end of the month to assess and determine whether there will be a youth movement or simply a changing of the guard from within.I like what you say about OUR Captain, I really do like the way you all got together and put this up. I do believe Koivu, if he leaves the Habs will be in the Western Conference. Either with his brother or working with the Avs.Best of luck with sorting out your stuff….Quick question why wouldn’t Giota be re-signed?
by Cruisin4aBruisin on Jun 9, 2009 1:47 PM EDT reply actions
It's OK it's got a pretty cool effect of more and more just added to it.
With respect to winning a Cup, why not New Jersey? The Devils consistently make the playoffs and while the playoff performances haven’t been all that great; they have a good of chance as anyone in the East for 2009-10. If anything, Koivu as a Devil makes the forwards much better as a whole and should he produce like I think he should, you’d have to consider NJ as a serious contender for the Cup.
No one short of Detroit can promise a chance at the Finals and not even Detroit can seriously make a guarantee.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog
Plus, the Devils have the best chance in getting him. If he wants a little more money than we can Gionta and take his 4 million dollars. Have Holik’s 2.5. And hey if Koivu wants about 5 million it would be worth it. Makes Elias better and makes Rolston better. Is age is fine, shows some experience. He was the captain of the Habs last year. He is only 35 so a 2 or 3 year contract can’t hurt. Keep Madden if there is enough money to get Koivu and Bergeron. Lines would look like this.
Elias- Koivu- Rolston
Parise- Zajac- Langenbrunner
Pandolfo- Madden- Zubrus
Leblond- Pelley- Halischuk???
Maybe Henrigue if he makes the team
Martin- Oduya
Bergeron- Salvador
Corrente/ Greene- Mottau – White
Gionta may not be re-signed if he costs too much, the Devils have limited cap space and have more pressing needs than Gionta, who can be replaced from within the organisation if necessary.
I think the reason everyone here is assuming Koivu wants a chance at the Cup above all else, is because that is the tendency with aging players who know they only have a few years left. However we can’t rule out the possibility that Koivu will look for the most money or even take the opposite track and accept a pay cut to remain with the Habs. I’m not sure Saku would be interested in going to Minnesota though, I’ve heard repeatedly that Saku belives the Wild are Mikko’s team, and he does not want to upset the chemistry there just to play with his brother. I have no idea as to the veracity of that rumour, but I’ve heard it so often (and nothing contradicting it) that I think there must be something to it.
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Whether the Habs are heading for a youth movement or not,
they have to do some serious unloading. They can’t even begin to resign everyone. Just because he’s the captain doesn’t put him off limits. Teams let their captains walk all of the time. I think Koivu to the Devils makes a lot of sense for him, as well as the Devils. I think you were way too quick to jump on here and be critical. Also, in case you haven’t noticed, this is an ongoing series evaluating ALL legit free agents, and what kind of contributions they could bring to the club. It’s not as though all of the Jersey fans of the world are spending out entire summer huddled together and formulating a plot to sneak into Quebec and smuggle out Saku Koivu. This is all just speculation and wishful thinking.
Which scenario is it?
If Koivu is going for the money, I can see him ending up in Minnesota or Colorado because they can afford to give a little extra to land someone like Koivu. If Koivu’s wanting to win a Cup, why would NJ be one of the lower echelon teams Koivu would look at? NJ’s been one of the best teams of the NHL for over a decade and I don’t think Koivu’s just going to sign with some team just so he can take a free ride to the Cup. It’s EVERY team’s outlook that they have a legitimate shot at the Cup on a yearly basis. At worst, the Devils are just like everyone else in this aspect – 1 in 30.
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