Montreal Canadiens fans holding out hope former team captain Saku Koivu might return to their club, or Wild fans hoping Koivu would join young brother Mikko in Minnesota had those hopes dashed today. 

Koivu decided to sign a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Anaheim Ducks, where he'll undoubtedly play on the club's second line with former Team Finland linemate Teemu Selanne. 

It's only the second NHL team Koivu has played for, having spent his entire 13- season career up to this summer with the Canadiens, nine of those as the club's captain. 

Koivu earned the love of Canadiens fans with his determined play and his character in overcoming serious injuries, including battling back from a life-threatening bout with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2001-02. 

Over the past two seasons however Koivu's performance appeared to be on the decline, dropping from a career-best 75 points in 2006-07 to 57 points in 77 games in 2007-08 to 50 points in 65 games last season. 

After the Canadiens went into a disastrous second-half slump last season resulting in their getting swept in four games by the Boston Bruins the club's management opted to make some significant changes, one of which was opting not to re-sign Koivu. 

Changing teams after 13 seasons may be a worthwhile move for Koivu. He won't be required to shoulder the load of first line center as he was for years with the Canadiens, which could prove less grueling for him this coming season. 

He also won't face the same level of fan and media scrutiny as he did in Montreal which could come as a welcome break emotionally, plus of course the added bonus of finally playing an entire NHL season alongside his old friend Selanne.