I'm not even saying it's because he didn't win a cup that his number shouldn't be retired. It's because he has never been a top 10 forwards during his time in the league. Best season is 75 points. Yes it goes beyond that for Koivu, community, charity, captain and long tenure is important too, but I think with the number of retired jerseys already hung from the rafters, greatness should be required from now on. Unless, the team continue to fail in the playoffs with this new core, hence the need to celebrate the past and bring some nostalgic emotions to please the crowd.
It's different with him though... I'm 29 years old, and Saku was a Hab from when I was a kid all the way up to my mid 20's. He's what comes to mind for me when I think of my childhood and teens watching hockey. All my favorite memories of those days were of him. There is a whole generation of fans like me who are incredibly attached to him because we truly had nothing else. I loved Roy as a kid but in all honesty, aside from remembering him when my dad would take me to games, my memories of him were mostly with the Avs.
Saku WAS THE HABS for my generation.
He wasn't the best in the league, didn't have any records, no cups or performance awards, but he defined the team and he was the only good player we had for such a long time.
He's not on the same level as the legends in Montreal history, but when you think about impact on the fanbase... There's Rocket Richard, Jean Beliveau, Guy Lafleur, Patrick Roy, and there's Saku Koivu. Not comparing him as a player to these legends, but I contend that his impact on the fanbase was up there with those guys, especially if you factor in how much the league had changed from the old days.