panoo

August 25, 2007
TheFourthPeriod.com

Canadiens captain Saku Koivu may have been a little disappointed with his team's inability to lure big-name free agents this summer, but he's looking forward to the upcoming season, reports Montreal's La Presse.

Over the off-season, the Habs lost free agents Sheldon Souray and Radek Bonk, and are not expected to bring back Mike Johnson, who is still available.

The Habs did manage to sign the likes of Roman Hamrlik, Bryan Smolinski and Patrice Brisebois.

"It is never pleasant to see friends like Craig (Rivet) and Sheldon to leave the team, but I can say to you that Roman Hamrlik is a very good defenseman," Koivu told La Presse.

"I like also Bryan Smolinski, who already played for a winning team in Ottawa. We need this kind of guy on our team."

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Quintessence

I see the playoffs every year. On my telly screen on CBC and TSN. I fear that Koivu will be doing the same this season. I expected the Habs to be a playoff team LAST year and they thoroughly disappointed me. I don't see that much of a difference in this years squad to warrant my vote of confidence again this season.