Mats Sundin Given Deadline by the New York Rangers

According to Steve Zipay, one of the many beat writers that cover the New York Rangers, the elusive Mats Sundin has been given a deadline by Glen Sather, to decide if he will be signing with the team or not.

As of right now, he has until Tuesday, Sept. 16 to make up his mind on whether he definitely wants to play for the New York Rangers or not. If he chooses to sign, the Rangers will either have to make a move in order to free up space or hope that the new collective-bargaining agreement will be ratified on Sept. 15, the rumored date for this to happen.

If the CBA is ratified, the Rangers would be allowed to give Sundin a minimal amount that would count against the cap while beefing up his salary with bonuses that don't count against the cap, exactly like what they have done with Shanahan these last two seasons.

But, if Sundin chooses not to sign with the Rangers, the team will then sign plan-B option Brendan Shanahan, who's contract negotiations have been on hold all offseason long, due to Sundin's inability to make a decision.

"Shanny" has openly stated that he has no desire to play anywhere but in New York, and if "Mighty" Mats decides to move on, he will get his wish and ultimately finish his career as a Ranger.

Personally, if they could sign Sundin for an amount so low that they would only have to trade smaller players like Petr Prucha, then I would welcome him here with open arms, because it shows that he isn't playing for the money, but that he truly wants to play in New York.

But, if his signing means trading someone with the likes of Michal Rozsival or Scott Gomez, then I would not want this signing to take place.

As for Shanahan, I believe the tank is empty, especially since the head-on collision with Mike Knuble two seasons ago. But he still feels he has a lot to contribute to this team, and his presence in the locker room is always welcome. He understands the role he will have, and that he will have less ice time.

If he's fine with that, then I'm fine with him returning to the Rangers.