In the Teemu Selänne podcast: Considered a blockbuster trade in the NHL - "We talked about it"

Teemu Selänne reveals in the latest episode of Hockey With an Accent podcast that he considered moving to the Montreal Canadiens during his playing career.

The reason for this would have been Saku Koivu, who captained the Canadiens for nine seasons before moving to the Anaheim Ducks at Selänne’s invitation.

– In fact, the (transfer) was close. It was the late 1990s or early 2000s. Don Baizley was our mutual agent, and we discussed it as one option, Selänne says.

However, the Ducks’ goal-scoring machine did not dare to take the risk and move to hockey-crazy Montreal.

– I always thought that if I am in a place where I am happy and playing well, I don’t want to take the risk and go somewhere else. It (playing together with Saku) didn’t happen until he came to Anaheim.

Koivu and Selänne are remembered as one of the most legendary duos of the Lions in international tournaments.

– We played in four or five Olympics together and often in World Championships or the World Cup, and we always played really well together. It’s a great feeling when you realize you’ve found a line mate who makes you better, Selänne praises his long-time Lions center.

Koivu and Selänne ultimately played four seasons as teammates in Anaheim before both decided to retire in the spring of 2014.

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