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Oct 7th (HW – Translation)

Koivu will not play during first week

 Saku Koivu will not make his return to the Canadiens before next week, at the earliest, and the Canadiens will also be without the services of Francis Bouillon for the opening match.

Chad Kilger, Darren Langdon and Steve Begin are all definitely not going to play on Thursday in Ottawa.

“I want to return to playing as soon as possible, but I am not going to play in the first two games,” said the captain. “Next week, its a possibility. Honestly I do not know exactly when I will be ready to play, but I do not want to miss more then 4 or 5 games.”

Koivu suffered a sprained right knee in his first preseason game against the Ottawa Senators.  He was evaluated and thought to be out for 3-4 weeks, which is precisely the amount of time he will be out if he returns next week.

Koivu does not intend to rush his return “That would be stupid (at this stage of the season). I could worsen my injury and be out longer”