Aatos Koivu experienced a dream come true when he wore the Montreal Canadiens jersey for the first time at their development camp this month. The 19-year-old Finnish forward, selected in the third round (No. 70) of the 2024 NHL Draft, described the moment as surreal.
Koivu took a moment to admire the iconic jersey before putting it on, reflecting on a lifelong dream to follow in his father’s footsteps. For Aatos, it wasn’t just another practice—it was the start of something deeply personal and meaningful.
Carving His Own Path While Honoring the Legacy of a Legendary Hockey Family
Aatos is the son of Saku Koivu, a beloved former Canadiens captain who played 13 seasons in Montreal, and the nephew of Mikko Koivu, whose No. 9 jersey was retired by the Minnesota Wild. While aware of the spotlight his surname brings, Aatos embraces the pressure.
Aatos Koivu Embraces Canadiens Dream While Honoring Father’s Legacy and Building His Own PathHe is motivated to carve out his own identity in the hockey world, not just as Saku’s son but as a talented player in his own right. Wearing jersey No. 56 at the camp, he remains undaunted by expectations and sees the legacy as inspiration rather than a burden.
Koivu’s time in Montreal also gave him a glimpse of the city’s admiration for his father. Fans still recognize Saku Koivu, though Aatos was impressed by how respectfully they approached his family during public encounters. Despite the attention, the atmosphere remained calm, with only a few asking for autographs or photos. For Aatos, it was another reminder of his father’s profound impact on the franchise and the city.
Positive Camp Experience Strengthens Koivu’s Resolve to Grow and Reach NHL Dreams
The development camp experience left a strong impression on Aatos. He praised the Canadiens staff for their dedication and support, noting how well the prospects were treated throughout the three-day event. It gave him a clear sense that the organization prioritizes player development and fosters a welcoming environment for young talent. This positive atmosphere fueled his enthusiasm and eagerness to grow as a player.
Last season, Aatos played for TPS in Liiga, Finland’s top professional league, where he recorded eight points in 32 games. Though his season was disrupted by mononucleosis and limited ice time compared to older, more experienced players, he found value in the challenges.
The setbacks taught him resilience and helped him mature on and off the ice. Looking ahead, Koivu dreams of one day skating at the Bell Centre as a member of the Canadiens—a goal that fuels his determination as he continues his journey in professional hockey.
