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'NEXT GENERATION SAKU'? HABS SHOW 2ND ROUND FINNISH 'I'LL BE HEARTBROKEN IF I DON'T GET TO PLAY WITH HIM': Joonas Nattinen

After going homegrown in Round 1 the Canadiens made their second pick in the draft a Koivu for the next generation. Joonas Nattinen is a 6'2" centre who starred for the struggling Finnish team at the World Juniors but earned his reputation as a smart, skilled playmaker with solid 2-way skills. "I don't know what's going on with Saku but I will be heartbroken if he doesn't re-sign with the Canadiens...I haven't had a chance to meet him but he is a hero in my country," Nattinen told CJAD in a 1-on-1 interview after being picked 65th overall (3rd Round).

Koivu is said to be a priority for GM Bob Gainey after Mike Komisarek but there are rumours that the centre and the Habs could be parting ways.

Nattinen admits he can improve his scoring touch and put on more size. The whispy blonde had no family cheering him on at the Bell Centre---the folks came for the World Juniors, so he had his Finnish and North American agents applauding.

Nothing came of the Panthers-Canadiens Friday nite huddle. Bouwmeester is getting his wish and moving to Alberta with the Calgary Flames.