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Post by Alex Tran on Sept 9, 2008 6:57:55 GMT -5
Please use this thread to post any ongoing updates for the Sundin situation.
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Post by Alex Tran on Sept 9, 2008 6:58:36 GMT -5
SUNDIN MEETS WITH CANADIENS, NO DECISION YET
After visiting with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday, sources tell TSN that Mats Sundin met with the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.
Much like his meeting with the Leafs, Sundin's discussion with the Habs was informal and noncommittal.
On Friday, Sundin's agent J.P. Barry told a Toronto radio station that "the decision-making process is down to Toronto and another team because that's the way he's always felt."
While the Sundin saga has dragged on longer than most expected, Canadiens GM Bob Gainey appears determined to wait it out.
"We're going to wait for his decision until September if we have to," Gainey told RDS back in August. "On paper, we have the perfect team for him. There's certainly room for him with our team."
There were reports that Montreal had attempted to acquire Sundin at the trade deadline, however, Sundin refused to waive his no-trade clause. www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=248871&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl |
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Post by Alex Tran on Sept 9, 2008 8:35:29 GMT -5
"REPORT: TWO NEW TEAMS CHASING SUNDIN, INCLUDING LIGHTNING
The pool of teams hoping to sign free agent Mats Sundin appears to have gotten a little more crowded.
According to the Globe and Mail, the Tampa Bay Lightning have expressed interest in the Swedish forward. Sundin was recently in Toronto to play in the Right to Play charity game and skated alongside former teammate, and current Lightning, Gary Roberts and new Tampa Bay owner Oren Koules.
Sundin's agent, J.P. Barry, did confirm to the newspaper that two new teams have joined the pursuit of the veteran. Tampa is already close to the NHL's $56.7 million salary cap and would have to create room for Sundin's salary. However, the Lightning might receive some cap reprieve if forward Jeff Halpern is unable to play this season due to a knee injury.
On Friday, Sundin met with Maple Leafs' GM Cliff Fletcher and assistant to the GM Joe Nieuwendyk.
Sources say Fletcher outlined his plan for the team this season and assured Sundin that Toronto will keep the door open for the 37-year-old captain in the event he decides to resume his career.
"It was a very relaxed meeting," said Barry on AM640 Radio in Toronto. "It was a chance to reconnect since Mats was in town and talk about the changes on the Maple Leafs and make sure Mats was aware of everything that was going on with the team."
On Saturday, Sundin met with Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey.
"I had a nice two hours with Mats Sundin in Toronto [on Saturday]," Gainey told the Globe.
"He's interested. I told him to make a decision. I said: 'If you feel like you want to retire, then retire. But if you're not sure, you should play and the emotion will come.'"
While Gainey has said he would be willing to wait on Sundin's decision in the past, Barry suggested that Montreal is hoping to hear from Sundin, either way, soon.
"Gainey simply laid out in detail an excellent case for why Mats should play in Montreal," Barry added. "He also explained that they likely don't have the same latitude to wait too long and would like an answer quite soon, as they have other plans and options in the works."" www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=248919&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main |
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Post by Lee Denault on Sept 9, 2008 19:37:04 GMT -5
Let's just hope he signs somewhere.
I think his era with the Leafs is done.
I would love to see him compete for a cup, but on the other hand i wouldn't like to see him in another jersey, especially a rival jersey.
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Post by weirdoh on Sept 9, 2008 19:56:13 GMT -5
Let's just hope he signs somewhere. I think his era with the Leafs is done. I would love to see him compete for a cup, but on the other hand i wouldn't like to see him in another jersey, especially a rival jersey. I'm with you duder. I wouldn't have no problem with him on another team, but just not Montreal. I'd even be able to swallow Ottawa as I don't think they'll be what they've been the last few years. I think a lot of us fans were hurt by his words around the TDL. He wouldn't go to a team unless he's there from the get go etc etc. Now he's past the training camp phase, so what is it? We as Leaf fans have a right to be ticked off. Berger and others can go on and on that he doesn't owe the Leafs, Toronto, the fans anything. But you know what? He does owe us fans. We loved the guy, worshiped the guy....how many times did he have to pay for a meal while going out on the town? If Mats owes anybody anything, it's the fans....and it's that reasoning that Mats will not go to the Habs. It's Toronto or bust. We need him to bump up Antopov's numbers so we can trade him come deadline day. (yes I know it's a broken record) |
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Post by Lee Denault on Sept 9, 2008 21:21:15 GMT -5
Let's just hope he signs somewhere. I think his era with the Leafs is done. I would love to see him compete for a cup, but on the other hand i wouldn't like to see him in another jersey, especially a rival jersey. I'm with you duder. I wouldn't have no problem with him on another team, but just not Montreal. I'd even be able to swallow Ottawa as I don't think they'll be what they've been the last few years. I think a lot of us fans were hurt by his words around the TDL. He wouldn't go to a team unless he's there from the get go etc etc. Now he's past the training camp phase, so what is it? We as Leaf fans have a right to be ticked off. Berger and others can go on and on that he doesn't owe the Leafs, Toronto, the fans anything. But you know what? He does owe us fans. We loved the guy, worshiped the guy....how many times did he have to pay for a meal while going out on the town? If Mats owes anybody anything, it's the fans....and it's that reasoning that Mats will not go to the Habs. It's Toronto or bust. We need him to bump up Antopov's numbers so we can trade him come deadline day. (yes I know it's a broken record) If we can sign Mats without a NTC (snowballs chance in hell) than I'm all for him coming back. |
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Post by Lee Denault on Sept 11, 2008 18:59:18 GMT -5
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Post by Cool Hand Luke on Sept 13, 2008 2:45:43 GMT -5
He's not going to mtl. Lang is their new 100 yr savior-faire. You think the educated habs fans are happy about that one; he's no good for powerhouse detroit, or up-and-coming chicago.
Will he be the missing piece?
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Post by goldenleafs on Sept 27, 2008 13:23:48 GMT -5
If he truly doesn't know if he wants to play anymore, then it's pretty much guaranteed that if he does play, this is the last year. You don't contemplate retirement then decide to play for a few more years.
So.. this means he will watch like the rest of us until Christmas, then evaluate the teams and hop on a team that looks like a Stanley Cup winner. Also, at that time, a lot more teams will be able to afford him... so don't rule any team out, even MTL....
Personally I think he should goto PITT, with Gonchar down, I'm pretty sure TSN said they will start the season with 9 million cap space. Wouldn't that team just be insane with Sundin?
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Post by CarltonTheBear on Sept 28, 2008 23:29:36 GMT -5
If he truly doesn't know if he wants to play anymore, then it's pretty much guaranteed that if he does play, this is the last year. You don't contemplate retirement then decide to play for a few more years. Niedermayer/Selanne? |
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Post by Cool Hand Luke on Oct 15, 2008 12:06:29 GMT -5
so some chitter about Sundin in toronto getting ready to train, IN TORONTO might I add. What does this say to everybody?
My view is that hes coming back, to the leafs. He must feel like he can continue to play at his high level we all know and love. My gut says Toronto, he may feel he likes the structure Wilson is putting in place. Maybe he feels like the pieces to the top line that have been missing for theses past years, are now set. I know if I were asking year after year for strong, offensive players to compliment my style on the top line, and they finally come, I'd like to see how things pan out the way I imagined. Maybe he sees Kulemin as the player Poni should have been, but that never quite worked out.
Or maybe I'm just full of hot air, and can't let go of Sundin.
I guess the overall question is... what's better for the team?
is Mats more valuable as a leader and mentor to the leafs and the future development of the team?
or does his leadership fall short, and risk the maple leafs from getting that top draft pick everybody knows the team needs?
The leafs didn't make the playoffs with him the past 3 seasons, is it worth the difference between a 5th or 7th top pick? Or is the team more skilled as a whole, and Mats will put the leafs over the top, good for 7th-9th place?
just ranting
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