ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Two-time All-Star Saku Koivu has left the Montreal Canadiens after 13 seasons to join the Anaheim Ducks on a one-year deal on Wednesday.
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Koivu, who turns 35 in November, was Montreal's captain for nearly 10 years, tying Jean Beliveau for longest-serving in the team's 100-year history. The center had 191 goals, 450 assists and 623 penalty minutes with the Canadiens, the only team Koivu has played for during his NHL career.
"Saku Koivu's character and leadership qualities are unquestioned," Ducks general manager Bob Murray said. "He is a skilled playmaker and we are thrilled to add him to our team."
Koivu reached the 600-point milestone with a goal against Florida in October. He had 16 goals and 34 assists in 65 games last season. He has recorded 40 or more assists in five of the last six seasons and surpassed 50 points in the last six consecutive seasons.
"I'm very excited to join the Ducks this coming season," said Koivu, who helped Finland win an Olympic silver medal in 2006. "I'm also looking forward to a full season with Teemu Selanne as a teammate."
Koivu successfully overcame non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and returned to hockey seven months after being diagnosed in September 2001.
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