The World Junior Summer Showcase has now wrapped up, offering hockey fans and NHL scouts an early glimpse of what December’s tournament might look like. For the Montreal Canadiens, several of their young prospects had encouraging performances, but one in particular made sure Habs fans remembered his name.
Related: 4 Canadiens Prospects Competing at World Junior Summer Showcase
Aatos Koivu, the son of ex-Canadiens captain Saku Koivu, reminded everyone why he might be a sneaky-good pick from the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. While others may have received more attention leading up to the tournament, Koivu’s showing with Team Finland ensured that his stock is once again on the rise.
A Solid Summer Showcase
Koivu was one of the most productive players at the entire Summer Showcase, leading the tournament in goals with six in just five games, while also recording an assist for a total of seven points. His performance wasn’t just about numbers; it was the way he got them. He played with poise, vision, and a decent two-way game.
What stood out most was Koivu’s confidence with the puck and his natural instincts down the middle. He played centre throughout the event and looked every bit like a future impact player for Finland. His ability to read plays in both zones, combined with a quick release and smart off-puck movement, made him a constant threat.
Koivu looked like a lock to make the squad for the World Junior Championship in December. For a Canadiens organization loaded with prospects but still seeking long-term depth at centre, that’s an encouraging sign.
Overview
Montreal selected Koivu in the third round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, 70th overall. The pick immediately drew attention not just because of his surname, but also because of what it represents, a potential continuation of a beloved Habs legacy. However, despite the familial connection, the Canadiens made the pick based on merit, not nostalgia.
Last season, Koivu suited up for TPS in the Finnish Liiga, a pro league known for its difficulty in producing points from young players. In 32 games, he managed eight points, a modest total but one that’s not unusual for a young player in such a veteran-heavy league. His role was often limited, but the flashes were there: good hockey sense, anticipation, and a reliable presence in all three zones.
What made things more difficult for Koivu last season was an unfortunate case of mononucleosis, which forced him to miss the 2025 World Juniors. That absence meant missing out on a significant opportunity to represent his country.
There’s also no denying the influence of his pedigree. Saku remains one of the most respected players in Canadiens history, an undersized, courageous, and supremely intelligent centre who captained the team through some of its most turbulent years, while dealing with personal issues at the same time. Aatos seems to have inherited some of that hockey brain and maturity, even if their playing styles aren’t identical.
A Prospect Worth Watching
The Canadiens’ prospect pool is as deep as it’s been in years. From David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom on the blue line to Ivan Demidov, Michael Hage, and Alexander Zharovsky up front, there’s a lot of internal competition brewing. With so many shiny names and highlight-reel players grabbing attention, someone like Koivu can easily slip into the background. But tournaments like the Summer Showcase are where players force their way back into the spotlight, and Koivu did just that.
Koivu’s breakout performance makes a strong case that he shouldn’t be forgotten among the Habs’ growing pool of forward talent. At just 19 years old, he already brings a responsible two-way game that many young players take years to develop. If the offence continues to come, he could go from a quiet third-round pick to a legitimate part of the Habs’ long-term plans down the middle.
There’s also a leadership quality in Koivu’s game that mirrors his father’s demeanour. He’s calm under pressure, composed in transition, and rarely makes high-risk plays. Coaches trust him in important moments, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him wear a letter for Finland in December.
Koivu’s name carries weight in Montreal for obvious reasons. But more importantly, he’s starting to carve out his own identity as a prospect worth watching. With a strong performance at the World Junior Summer Showcase and a probable top-six role for Finland at the December tournament, Koivu has officially re-entered the Canadiens conversation.
He may not be the flashiest name in the system, but if there’s one thing the Koivu family has taught hockey fans, it’s that substance often outweighs style.
