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.
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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.
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2 months ago
I hope this is true for if no other reason it will get the league moving again making moves/trades and maybe, just maybe force Sundin to make SOME SORT of a decision.
2 months ago
it seems that Mats Sundin won't go for cheep...he turned down 20 million from Vancouver and signed a deal with pokerstars.net...so money means something to him.Sundin is worth as much as Gomez because Gomez leaving New York would be a big shock to the team.When Maple Leaf fans heard that Sundin leaving Toronto was true, they were very upset.Ranger's fans would be upset if Scott Gomez left too.Sundin's too old anyways.It is sad that Sundin is no longer with the Toronto Maple Leafs,but do you know what is better news (in my opinion)than Sundin...Curtis Joseph Returning as a backup goalie for a $700,000 one-year deal with Toronto.And how about Tucker leaving too...i was more upset about Darcy Tucker leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs than Mats Sundin!!!!!!!GO LEAFS GO!!!!!!
2 months ago
I would agree. The tank is empty for a 39 year old leader who scored 20 plus goals in limited time. C'mon Gregg, stop hating!
from 2 months ago
The tank is empty skating wise because the guy just can't move anymore. In this league you can't just have a great show but you need speed to compliment that.
2 months ago
I think they're good for giving him a deadline. And I hope that the CBA is ratified, that will help every team...
2 months ago
What a joke. A whole year of hockey wasted on a strike that will have meant nothing if the CBA becomes ratified like that. Gary Bettman should be ashamed of himeself if he lts that crap go ahead. The CBA as it is now is supposed to help the smaller market teams compete but it will be just like it was before the strike if they do what they are talking about.
2 months ago
Shanahan can still contribute but I do not think he fits in with what Sather is trying to get going in NY. With acquisitions of Naslund and Zherdev obviously speed is the name of the game.
Allowing JJ and Straka to return to Europe also shows me that Sather and Renney want a team atmosphere and depth throughout all 4 lines. NYR have probably the most young talent they have ever had and with cup winners like Gomez and Drury is Shanny's leadership still required?
2 months ago
This is not what Steve Zipay wrote at all in Newsday.
You do articles about people writing misleading headlines and articles complaining about them and you lead the pack in them.
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