On the Mark: The Toronto Maple Leafs Need Mats Sundin More Than Ever

They said he was too old to be considered an elite forward and that they needed to take a different direction. They said that the only way forward was to take a few steps and trade for picks to build the foundation for the future. With a new in-term GM in Cliff Fletcher, something had to be done about their aging superstar.

Which is why some fans were left incensed when the Leaf captain chose not to waive his no-trade clause.

He stated that he didn't want to be traded to a possible contender and that he was perfectly happy to be playing hockey with his struggling Maple Leafs. He cited that he simply loved the city and hoped that fans would respect his decision. Some came out and called him selfish. Others were left disgusted by their fellow Leaf brethren for their lack of respect towards their captain's wishes.

Whatever side you were on, it was a type of conversation that occured in living rooms scattered across Canada. It didn't really matter whether you were a Leaf fan or not, someone would always have a say on the issure and for the most part, both sides could be right.

Which is something that Paul Maurice hasn't been for much of the gruelling year. But for all the outrageous things that the second year head coach has come out and said, nobody can really argue what he told the media during his Monday press conference.

The Toronto Maple Leafs need Mats Sundin more than the ever.

That's right. No extra draft picks, no freeing up cap space, the Maple Leafs just need their good ole' 38-year-old captain back for another season of NHL hockey.

Because after all, who can really replace a superstar that can still show resilence, leadership and humility even during these times of crisis? Plus, we're talking about a player that can still produce at a point per game pace while staying healthy for the entire season. He's a man that can play in almost any situation and someone who is still miles ahead of his fellow teammates in terms of conditioning.

It's not as if the new 'hot-shot' draft pick can come in and earn the respect that Mats Sundin has for the last decade or so. Honesty and determination are invaluable towards guiding the young NHLer and who better to teach them than your franchise's all-time leading scorer?

Sure, you clear up cap space for that new up and coming prodigy that the Toronto media will dub as the 'new Mario Lemieux or Gretzky' after a two-goal performance but is it really worth giving up a top 30 player like Mats Sundin for the sake of additional cap space and a younger player or two?

We've seen what Toronto is capable of without their captain and it hasn't exactly been the greatest of rides. Matt Stajan and Alex Steen get extra playing time, which is great for their progression, but it really doesn't do much for their confidence if their team is getting pummelled 8-1.

Now, with Sundin's contract set to expire, Cliff Fletcher has to make the right offer to Toronto's classiest and loyal player on the roster. Any offer ranging around 5-6 million should do the trick but if the Toronto Maple Leafs believe their pulling off a clever trick by lowballing Sundin, they've landed themselves in a death trap. 

Only this time, it's even more steps back from where they were initially before. Then again, something tells me that's not the sort of thing Toronto can afford right at the moment. 

That and Bryan McCabe's upcoming $7 million salary for next season. 

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?