The Canadiens would qualify for the 2006 playoffs, eventually being eliminated in the conference quarterfinals by the Carolina Hurricanes in six games.
Claude Julien started the season as coach but was fired and replaced on an interim basis by general manager Bob Gainey on January 14.
The Canadiens played the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes in the first round and lost four games to two.
Hurricanes forward Justin Williams attempted to lift Koivu's stick but instead struck him in the eye.
Koivu remained out of the lineup for the rest of the series and underwent surgery to repair a detached retina during the off-season.