GIN ANTONIC
Registered User
He played a full season in the AHL in 04-05 which is still considered pro hockey. I'm assuming that is the distinction that is being made here. 2nd NHL season for 05-06 is correct though. That lockout year probably actually did him a great deal of development in the grand scheme of things. Funny how that worked out well for him but for a guy like Ovechkin forced him to start his NHL career a year late and be further back on his goal/point totals.05-06 was only his 2nd NHL season because of the strike wiping out 04-05.
Koivu was a much, much better defensive player.