ENOUGH About Mats Sundin

All I keep hearing about from every website, news article and journalist, is the saga that is Mats Sundin.  Everyone's waiting for his decision.  At this point, it seems to be a contest between Vancouver, Toronto, the Rangers and Philly.  First off, as a Ranger fan, let me say I DON'T WANT HIM.  The Rangers have 5 serviceable centers on the current roster, and at least 3 NHL ready ones in Hartford (Anisimov, Moore and Korpikoski).

Either way, Sundin is going to go to one of the aforementioned teams, or will retire.  Again, I believe the Rangers have no need for a 37 year old center who's prime has passed him by. 

Signing a player like this, anyway you look at it, takes ice time from other younger players who certainly could use it (Brandon Dubinsky). 

Speaking of ice time... are they serious in Philadelphia about him?  With future captain Mike Richards, big name Danny Briere and up and coming sniper Jeff Carter all playing center... where do they think Sundin will play?  Defense?

The talk lately is of the Rangers to trade Roszival (and his $5 million salary) to be able to afford him.  Teams like Los Angeles could certainly use a defenseman of his caliber, and have the cash to take him on.  There were rumors earlier this year that the Rangers would be interested in Patrick O'Sullivan anyway... and his salary, at least at this point in his career, isn't too much.  With the loss of Ryan Whitney, I'm sure Pittsburgh is a decent destination as well.  However, as much as people complain about him, I believe Roszival to be a top defenseman in Tom Renney's system, and has consistently put up points and a solid plus/minus rating as a Ranger.

That leaves the Rangers with about $6 million under the cap, if he were to be traded.  Is it really necessary to reach the cap ceiling?  Reports are that Sundin's willing to take less money to come to New York (less than Vancouver's offer of $10 million... is that really a bargain?), but still being THAT CLOSE to the cap makes it nearly impossible for Sather to make any future moves later this season.  If an injury occurs, a Hartford promotion would likely be the only way to plug a hole.  To me, it just seems to be an act of stupidity to put your team into such a predicament.

Is there any question Sundin can still contribute?  Of course not.  However, the Rangers are LOADED up front, especially at center.  I'd be more intersted to hear Gaborik talk, because if the Rangers have any weakness, it's a scoring winger (unless Dawes can truly break out this season).  Acquiring Sundin would seem to me like a luxury we just cannot afford.  Let's continue our rebuilding process, let our younger players develop, and please not revert to being the Rangers of old, and taking on a player who's better days are a long, long time behind him.