Anaheim Ducks: Saku Koivu Turns Down Olympic Offer

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

One big omission I had from my original list, as well as the final roster for Finland’s hockey roster, Saku Koivu.

The Finland native has enjoyed a strong year in which his chemistry with Andrew Cogliano and Daniel Winnik have given the Ducks a strong secondary option behind Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Dustin Penner but was not on his country’s final roster.

It is always one of the biggest thrills in any hockey player’s careers to get to represent their country in any international, and at 39-years old this would have been Koivu’s last chance to play in the Olympics.

The Center, however, saw something a bigger picture in his sights thanks to the team’s great start. It is something that has eluded him his entire career – the Stanley Cup.

Going into tonight’s game against the Boston Bruins, the Ducks are tied with the Chicago Blackhawks atop of the NHL’s standings and with a deep team – the Ducks will be one of the favorites when the postseason hits.

With a chance to have his name etched on the powerful trophy in all of sports for the rest of time, Koivu decided to rest during the Olympic break in hopes to be able to give the Ducks everything he has the rest of the season.

"“It would be a different scenario if our team wasn’t doing well and were out of the playoffs,’http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-ducks-koivu-olympics-canada-20140107,0,5240568.story#ixzz2pkz6Dzxb"

Bravo to Koivu for making the decision. The idea of becoming a national hero is an idea that most wouldn’t be able to pass up.

This adds yet another story to the many of the true lure and power that the Stanley Cup has. It is the most sought after trophy in any of the major sports, something that once you get to raise it you are immortalized immediately.

Koivu has had an amazing career, one that is missing that one piece. Maybe the rest will pay off and Koivu will finally get what has eluded him his entire career?

What do you think about Koivu’s decision? Does this add to the lure of the Stanley Cup? Leave you answers below.

Anthony is the Editor of Pucks of a Feather. You can reach him by email amurphy540@pullinamurph.com or follow him on Twitter @AMurphyTFC.