Rumors are that Mats Sundin could be on the verge of coming out of the basement and reveal his next destination.
It looks like it would be a two team dilemma for the swede—most likely between remaining a Leaf or pack his bags to Pierre-Elliot Trudeau Airport.
Not that the Canucks and the Rangers are out of the picture, but this rumor leans more towards the Leafs or the Habs.
This rumor makes total sense.
1- Mats love to play (and live) in Canada—that would rule out the blue shirts.
- B/R Ticket Guide
2- He is getting old and, although the Canucks is a Canadian team, we all know the amount of traveling involved in the west. If he wants to play for more than one year, he would probably run out of gas as the season comes close to the end.
He could remain a Leaf, but I doubt he'd have a chance to win the well-deserved cup to wrap up his career. The Leafs are in full blown reconstruction, and I think Sundin's mentoring years are over.
His best shot at winning the cup is to sign with Montreal. The team's reconstruction is pretty much over. Last year, Gainey's team were sitting on top of the eastern conference, had the best offense, and the most devastating power play in the league.
Can you just imagine adding Sundin to the current roster?
We'll see what he says!
DP
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4 months ago
Sundin should return to Toronto, it makes the most sense for all parties involved. First, with all the youth on the Leafs roster now, they need a strong, experienced leader to help guide them. Plus, for the most part, Sundin is loved by Leafs fans. #13 is synonymous with Toronto as #11 is. In addition, how would Sundin explain not accepting a trade at the deadline last season, but willing to sign with another team this season? Plus what about the repeated statements that "I want to finish my career as a Leaf". Sundin could stand to lose a lot of credibility as a man if he did that. Plus, Montreal...needs to win at least one playoff round before they start talking Stanley Cups.
from 4 months ago
Aaron, Montreal won a playoff round last season, against Boston.
from 4 months ago
"For all parties involved." Execpt for Mats, unless he wants to round out his career babysitting the new talent in a wishy washy ungreatful media circus, er, hockey mecca! Or maybe he should stay because he is so close to ownership (all 47 of them) and management (if he knows who it is and when its coming) He may have said that he wants to finish in a Leaf uniform, but situations change and organizations do you dirty. He problably deep down inside was hoping the Leafs could pull something off and maybe he could end strong there- but for real, he wants a cup. Also, as far as losing credibility goes; I (like most outside of Toronto) think he is a champ for putting up with you clowns this long. Just because you listen to sports radio and can afford a ticket and a jersey, don't mean your a real fan. In closing, RUN MATS RUN!!!!!!
from 4 months ago
my sister's, friend's, nephews, mother works at starbuck's in white rock and saw Mats get dropped off by a taxi driver and ordered a skinny vanilla latte with an extra shot and then drove off with a pretty blonde real estate agent. Not sure what to make of this?
from 4 months ago
The leadership you speak of has already been acquired by Cliff. Allo and behold Cujo is back. Sundin, should he return (which I believe we all know is but inevitable) he should, and most likely will sign with Montreal. And I am one of those many who 'bleed the blue' and believe me, "Oh Captain, My Captain" will always be saved for the boy in blue wearing #13. But he is no longer that boy, and he deserves to hold that cup before his incredible career in the NHL is done.
So from one leafs fan, to a million others - and to those who are just simply hockey fans from across the world. Tip your hat to the man, and whatever he chooses - could anybody really disagree with his decission?
Buds or Habs, either way hats off.
4 months ago
I've read a few of your blogs, Dominic, and I like what I've seen. Keep up the good work!
from 4 months ago
You are correct, I meant to say win more than one playoff round...sorry
4 months ago
Aaron: The common goal for all NHL players is to win the Stanley cup. As I said, Toronto is at the start of its reconstruction... They don't even have an official GM - Fletcher has expressed clearly that he doesn't want this to be permanent.
So for Sundin the logical choice would be the Habs.
DP
4 months ago
Agreed, I mean, who has the better chance of winning a cup? The habs (who was on top of the eastern conference, and who had a very good offense) or the leafs (who is re-building and has NO chance of winning the cup, they would be lucky to make the playoffs) and besides, who wouldn't want to be part of the cenntenial year team :P
from 4 months ago
ummmm.... this article almost entirely rules out Vancouver, even though it is being said that he is close to sigining their. I am 99.9999999% sure he's not gonna be a leaf, in fact he declined their offer because the leafs traded to trade him at last seasons trade deadline. I am starting to doubt habs aswell as sundin would play the leafs a lot and he would in a way be ruining their chances. My best bet is he will be a canuck.... but you never know, a lot of the sh*t being said about him is b.s. The easiest way to tell its B.S. is that people are saying hes signing with the habs this week... well he said hes not ready to make his decision.. not to mention hes gone fishing for the entire week with his family and his agent said he wont be making his decision this week.
4 months ago
P.S. Good article, keep up the good work
4 months ago
He'll be back with the Leafs, or retire. He won't go to the Habs, sorry.
4 months ago
he will eventually sign with the canucks!
END OF DISCUSSION
4 months ago
However used the logic that he won't come to the Canucks because of the travel is nuts. My sister is a real estate agent in Vancouver and she has been showing Sundin homes in the White Rock area. He actually put an offer on one today! Take that to the bank!
from 4 months ago
I would like to see a copy of that offer... I don't take rubber checks to the bank.
Wishful thinking.
4 months ago
Sundin is a loyal leaf, he has most of their records broken now and he would not go to the habs because he'd be joining the leaf's swarn enemy of all time, and that he would not do.
from 4 months ago
OMG! You guys make me roll on the floor laughing... some say his sister showed him houses in Vancouver and others that he is a loyal Leaf... Comon get real! Put yourself in his shoes... What would you rather do? Go to a team that DEFINATELY has a chance to win the cup or be loyal to a team?
Toronto has NO CHANCE to win the cup and neither does Vancouver. Sundin is going to Montreal.
DP
4 months ago
Sundin is a loyal leaf, he has most of their records broken now and he would not go to the habs because he'd be joining the leaf's swarn enemy of all time, and that he would not do.
4 months ago
sorry, didn't mean to post twice
4 months ago
i think most responces are based on who everybody likes, i'm a die-hard leafs fan for example
4 months ago
Rangers will sign him, but let me make this clear, I DO NOT WANT HIM.
from 4 months ago
But does anyone care who you want and dont want? When you're the GM then it will matter.
from 4 months ago
It does matter even in a very small way. As CL of the Rangers section they'll be no "Sundin the Savior" articles from me.
from 4 months ago
Are you kidding me you don't want him? There is no one on New York that is close to Sundins level. You can hate the Leafs all you want but any team he goes to he is bringing a much better chance of winning to that team.
from 4 months ago
I don't hate the Leafs at all. Why hate a team that's a non-factor in the final NHL standings each season?
I just don't want Sundin because he's old. I like him as a player but the Rangers are headed in a different direction and do not need him.
4 months ago
Hey! No hard feelings with my repies ;)
4 months ago
i agree Mats will stay a
leaf if he plays. however if we're speculating destinations i sadly think new york or detroit have better chance than Habs if they can find cap space.
4 months ago
none taken, everyone has their opinion :]
4 months ago
I am a taxi cab driver and actually picked up Sundin at the Vancouver Airport and drove him straight a Remax real estate office in White Rock on Monday morning. There was a pretty blonde real estate agent there to greet him. The rumour of him looking at real estate in White Rock must be true!
4 months ago
Hold me to this, but whatever team signs him will not win the cup, that is for sure.
4 months ago
Don't leave the Rangers out on this one....but seriously, there were internet sites saying that a decision could come in 72 hours about a week ago. I'm not buying it.
4 months ago
ya u shudnt buy it, hes gone fishing, nobody knows where he's going right now, not even sundin himself. he gonna take his sweet time choosing. I myself have a feeling he will be a canuck, since the habs even got exclusive rights to talk to him earlier, and not much happened their. I think he will be a canuck and demitra and (hopefully) gionta or jussi jokinen will be waiting for him to center the top line
4 months ago
I really hate to burst your bubble but EVERY team has a chance at winning the cup. Sure, on paper there are those that SHOULD, but once you factor in slumps, injuries, hot streaks, etc. - you just never know. Now we can say a team's more likely to do well based on their roster, but nothing's a given and anything can happen. Hot goalies get cold. Key players get injured. Flu bugs hit at playoff time...there are too many variables that can have a favored team out or an underdog in.
And, from what I'm hearing, Sundin could quite possibly still land in Vancouver.
4 months ago
Canucks' fans are way too desperate. Stop posting the crap that you're a taxi driver, or that your sister is a real estate agent. This is absolutely ridiculous and makes you and your team sound stupid.
I kind of agree with Chris. One of 30 teams win the Cup. Sundin in good shape helps any team, but that doesn't put them THAT much closer to a cup. It barely makes Vancouver playoff bound and barely makes Montreal a contender. As for Toronto, it makes them a better team, but one that will finish between 10th and 12th.
He should retire and enjoy his lovely wife-to-be. His chances of winning are slim (except if Detroit decides to swing in and he accepts a minimum salary contract).
from 4 months ago
"It barely makes Vancouver playoff bound"?
I wonder just how much it is that you know about the Canucks? Why are you a Canucks expert?
Last year we were leading the tough NW division until our key D men were injured...that hurt us bad but we still managed to stay in the race right up until the last 10 games.
We have a great defense and one of the best goaltenders in the league. We've improved our overall toughness. Don't jump on the Canucks suck bandwagon because the Canucks will be just fine.
from 4 months ago
Ross why so hostile to the Vancouverites that seem to have some info? Let Sundin decide what he should do. $20 mil is nothing to sneeze at.
4 months ago
Did anyone not read that Sundin is on a week long fishing trip in Sweden at the moment?
Your scoops are coming from the wrong end of the horse!
from 4 months ago
Because you are gone fishing doesn't mean you are not thinking about your future and you can't take a decision.
I don't hold the truth... I am just reporting a rumor.
DP
from 4 months ago
Sounds a little fishy to me.
I think it very well could be true that it's just a cover while he's taking care of business. Or that's my wishful thinking.
4 months ago
my sister's, friends, nephew's, mother works at starbucks in White Rock and saw Mats get dropped off by a taxi, he ordered a skinny vanilla latte (extra shot), and then was picked up by a pretty blonde real estate agent. Not dure what to make of this?
from 4 months ago
Could be that Mats likes lattés.
;)
4 months ago
Mats Sundin just put in an offer on my house for $20 million. And he was wearing a Canucks hat, and an "I hate the Habs" T-shirt. Not sure what any of that means.
from 4 months ago
Nice dream
from 4 months ago
LOL
4 months ago
My last word on the subject is why would Sundin remain a Leaf out of loyalty when Fletcher tried to trade him last season. Mats would really some kind of retarded to use "loyalty" as a pretext to stay in Toronto.
DP
4 months ago
I own a furniture store and Matts and his wife to be came in looking at furniture. My store is near White Rock. This is 100% fact. He did not buy anything yet but was looking at high end leather sets from Urban Leather. He is definately in the White Rock area.
4 months ago
First of all I am a HUGE Leaf fan. There is nothing more I want then to see the Cup come home to Toronto and not just to sit at the HHOF. Sundin is going to retire - no doubt about it. Take a look at his past 6 season- he's only managed to put together 2 maybe 3 decent ones. Sure last year he was the teams stats leader, but look at 07 McCabe was scoring leader for most of the year, not Mats. The last legitimate shot the Leafs had at the Finals was when he was injured and out for most of the playoffs... he came back and not 100% and the Leafs setup tee off times too soon. I like Mats, he's still a decent hockey player, he's just not the go to guy anymore though - he's like Yzerman and Gretzky were at the end of thier careers, a star player on the team that still contributed at least his share, nothing more. Mats is probably going to be remembered as one of the great Leafs that didn't get a cup - just like Clark, Sittler, Salming, Gilmore (although he might have one with Calgary not sure). Is he deserving of a cup sure he is - what player in the NHL that shows up game after game getting pounded because thier a threat isn't?
4 months ago
continued - The writing is on the wall, in the paper and none of you will admit it. Take a look at everything since the trade deadline. Leafs want to trade him - will not waive his no trade clause - loyalty to the blue and white for sure - who else that wants a cup would do that? Gainey negotiates a draft pick and cash (if he signs Sundin before July 1) just to talk to him - flys to Sweden has a chat and comes home - no Sundin, Vancover offers him a HUGE contract $20 million over 2 - NAME one other player that wouldn't have signed that day - $10 million a year come on at this stage of his career - New York and Detroit have shown interest but don't have offers on the table. Fletcher signed a relative unknown in Finger for 4.3 million, and states anyone over 30 isn't a priority for the Leafs to persue - how old is Mats 36 - why because he knew Mats was retiring and he would have cap room, and he has high hopes Finger will develop. Not one GM is actually sitting with a spot that desperately needs Sundin to fill - ALL of them have gone on and completed signings- sure they've left room for him should he decided to come back but you can bet none of them are holding thier breath. He'd be a great 2nd or 3rd line center on any team - Anyone planning on making him top center is desperate for any talent - not too many teams fit that bill - ok aside from the Leafs right now. For those that say they've seen Sundin in Vancouver - think about it - what's he doing right now - Fishing - what is BC known for 'great fishing' hmmm during the winter - Sweden - brrr, Ontario (his current winter home) brrrr, BC not so bad - and you can go fishing! If he is there looking at homes (which I doubt) it's likely for a winter retreat - why else would he move to BC - he's not coming back to the NHL anytime soon - maybe in a couple of years as a scout or front office personnel likely with the Leafs (why not Niewy, Gilmore, Clark are all there) - nothing more. PLUS he's about to get married, he's got a nice bank account, and has had a NHL carreer that every NHLer wishes they will have. It's time, he's made his decision, he's just making us all wait - Fletcher knows, Gainey knows, Gillies knows (why else would he sign demitra - he'd be waiting for sundin if he didn't know) they just aren't telling us. ENJOY RETIREMENT MATS - you earned it, thanks for the memories!
4 months ago
He'll return to the Leafs. Mats is a man of his word and when he said "I want to end my career as a Leaf" I am pretty sure he was serious about it. Mats isn't going to join the Habs; It wont happen LOL thanks for the good laugh though.
4 months ago
He'll return to the Leafs. Mats is a man of his word and when he said "I want to end my career as a Leaf" I am pretty sure he was serious about it. Mats isn't going to join the Habs; It wont happen LOL thanks for the good laugh though.
4 months ago
He is staying at the Delta Hotel at the Airport right now and trying to keep a low profile. I work at the front desk. This is of course the Delta Hotel at the Vancouver Airport. Its a very nice Hotel. My name is Javier, if you like you can call the Delta Hotel and ask for me at the front Desk. I would be glad to give someone an interview. I am a big Canucks fan and I am very pleased and proud to announce he is here!
4 months ago
I just called the Delta and spoke to Javier to see if he was legit and it sounds like he is. I am excited now! Go Canucks go. Sundin looks like he is Vancouver bound. It make sense he is going to sign with Vancouver in the next 48 hours. Lots of fellow countrymen here. We have a great D and great goalie. Sundin doesn't want a free ride. He wants to be a big wheel in the process and road to the Stanley Cup. He would be a Hero here. He would make more money and he would end up living in the best city in the world. Yes! Its almost official. He is here and about to sign!
4 months ago
I don't understand why Vancouver has no chance... They have the best Goalie in Luongo, they have a great defence in Mitchell, Bieksa, Ohlund, Salo, Edler, Kraijcek throw in Sundin in the mix and you have 4 solid lines (Sundin, demitra, raymond; Sedin, Sedin, Bernier; Kesler Burrows, Pyatt/pettinger; Hordichuk, Johnston Cowan). If they get Sundin, the team basically traded Naslund & Morrison for Sundin, Bernier and Demitra. Sounds like an upgrade to me. The only thing that makes Montreal better is that they play in the very weak east confernce, put them in the west and lets see how they do. With the injuries on D and Luongo's mind on his wife and baby, last year was not the true team. We have put out the Welcome MATS in Vancouver and Sundin will be here...
4 months ago
Toronto is not getting Sundin. They chased him out of town and Montreal is the dreaded enemey of Sundin. Besides the weather sucks in the East. Montreal sucks! Sundin is Vancouver bound. He has been seen all over the city and even 1040 radio staff have inside info he is about to sign here. He will sign here within a week at the latest.
4 months ago
While I'd be surprised if it happened, with Gainey having signed O'Byrne yesterday, that leaves the Habs 7-million dollars shy of the cap. Gainey could offer Mats a one year, 6.5 million dollar payoff.
Again, I'd be surprised if that happened but take that information for what it is.
4 months ago
I highly doubt the whole "javier" story, since he joined about 3 hours ago, kinda fishy, but thats just me. And everyone stop being retarded saying "he was at starbucks" or "he was at a furniture store" or "he was in my taxi". Guys, stop bullshitting, thanks. It's also kinda fishy how ALL OF YOUR STORIES ARE CONNECTED.
There is a chance he will go to Toronto (very very very slim chance since he won't go back to a team that was trying to trade him). There is also a chance he will go to Vancouver. And finally, there is a chance he will go to Montreal. He won't go to New York cause they don't have enough money, unless sundin took one hell of a pay cut.
from 4 months ago
Rick you suck! The fact that all the stories of people seeing him in Vancouver seems connected well duh! If its true then it would have a natural connection. I totally believe he is in Vancouver right now. He has been spotted by several different people. It all makes sense. Your in denial. Too bad loser Montreal dude named Rick. Your nothing but a bad loser. I will be a gracious winner and accept your appology for calling us fine people from Vancouver full of bullshit. Funny how your behaviour is connected to those mental patients I take care of in special place. By for now Ricky the Rat from Montreal.
4 months ago
listen the guy wants a cup and between the 3 teams(rangers are out of the picture) are montreal, toronto, and vancouver... toronto are still a rebuilding team and dont look like their going to do any better than last year cause their team didnt change very much... vancouver are still not a strong team they picked up demitra but that isnt enough... and that leaves montreal who he has the best chance at winning the cup with...strong team picked up a touigh guy in laraque and an offence player tanguay... and the canadiens had the highing scoring in the NHL... so if he wants the best chance at winning the cup betwween those 3 teams he should be MTL
from 4 months ago
Finally! ;)
4 months ago
It's Toronto, Vancouver, or retirement.
4 months ago
Mats is coming to Vancouver enough said why would he turn down 20 million dollars that would be nuts. He would become the highest paid player in the league we have the best goalie in the nhland the only missing piece Mats Sundin will put the canucks into the stanley cup finals come to vancouver Mats you are wanted here the leafs wanted to trade you and you can't play for the rivals the habs
from 4 months ago
Wes, WAKE UP! He's not likely going to Vancouver - SORRY - he's set to retire - your right when you say he'd be nuts to turn down 20 million -- BUT think about it - IF he was planning on staying in the NHL - WHY would he not have signed the day or the day after the offer was made??? It was made weeks ago and he still isn't signed ANYWHERE. Obviously he's weighing his options carefully and doing some soul searching about his future. Even if he thinks that he could still be competitive enough to help Vancouver or any team I'm sure he'd have signed somewhere -- even with the Leafs - sure there is no Public knowledge of an offer from them, but you know that Fletcher has something for him on the table (and Mats knows what it is - likely why he's taking so long to decide since he always said he'll retire a Leaf). He'd be a great addition to any of the teams, as a 2nd or 3rd line center but he's not the superstar he used to be and he has come to realize that -- and is just making sure he's ready to retire -- why else would he go fishing -- retirement hobby ???
4 months ago
ok, sundin is in sweeden on a fishing trip with his agent, i will not believe any claims that he is in vancover because the press would know. You all know the media are hawks and any moves he makes would be reported, the only thing i've heard is that a sweedish newspaper reported him signing with Vancover. This was on espn, but it was denied by Sundin's agent who said the article was written by a "trainee reporter." So where will he go, we don't know because he doesn't know. He's slowly making up his mind and it has nothing to do with money. Sundin already is a rich as can be, i honestly don't think that's a factor. It just depends on two things: Is he gonna remain a loyal leaf. And does he wanna win a cup. so where will he land, your guess is as good as mine. (being a leafs fan i hope toronto, but i wish him luck whatever he chooses. He has more than earned his fame in the world as a hockey player.)
4 months ago
yo dominic who said that the canucks are ruled out dont speak unless u know whats really going on i hate peple that do that
from 4 months ago
Sorry to offend you little Jason. I didn't say that Vancouver IS ruled out... I said:
"He is getting old and, although the Canucks is a Canadian team, we all know the amount of traveling involved in the west. If he wants to play for more than one year, he would probably run out of gas as the season comes close to the end."
I am just throwing theories and pssibilities.
Pretty much all writers (professional writers included) do that from time to time and it looks like this particular article has drawn much attention (more than 2000 reads)... so get use to it.
No hard feelings,
DP
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