It is a disturbing trend to see and hear the many Leaf fans and media alike trying to toss captain Mats Sundin overboard as if this season's fiasco is his fault.
This guy has been in the Leaf family for a long time and has poured his heart and soul into the Toronto franchise. Does he deserve this treatment?
Perhaps he is better off somewhere else, but that is up to him to decide. If you are married and have kids would you abandon them when the going got tough?
I doubt it...if you did you would be an asshole, or even worse, an Ottawa bandwagon-jumper, I mean Senators fan.
Leaf fans are loyal, maybe to a fault, but that is what being a part of Leaf Nation is all about. We know we haven’t won since 1967...we have been reminded of that a couple times over the last 40 years. But when
the team finally wins, all the years of staying loyal will pay off in a big way. As Mats said himself, it’s about the journey to the Cup, not just winning it.
To all those fans and media who think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence and think that the Leafs will all of a sudden be contenders if we trade him, take a look at the likes of Phoenix, LA, and other perennial bottom feeders. Sure they have great prospects in the organization but they have been saying that for years and it still hasn’t gotten them anywhere near the playoffs.
This guy deserves to retire a Leaf, as the all-time leader in goals and points and who knows what other records he might break in the next few years. With a couple young stars (like Stamkos) to help Mats carry the load, who knows? Maybe even a Cup a couple years down the road.
But to throw him overboard and treat him the way he is being treated right now is classless—which has become another disturbing trend in Leaf Nation.
Start to think for yourselves, Leaf Nation, and stop following the media and taking their word as gospel. This is the same media who always found something wrong with the Leafs when we were contenders in the conference.
It sells papers but it doesn’t mean it’s the right way to run a franchise.
23 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Anonymous about 1 year ago
WELL SAID! Couldn't agree with you more.
How about getting rid of some of HIGHEST paid guys who are either injured for weeks on end, or who only perform half of the time (ie; McCabe/Tucker). Sundin is the one CONSISTENT player on the team. Even in the rough times, Mats still tries his best and performs every night. He is the heart and soul. Let him finish his career here. Trading Mats for one or two other good players isn't going to make a difference at this point. As always for the Leafs...too little, too late.
Edit Comment Cancel
Tim Parent about 1 year ago
You make a good point. The call for Sundin's head falls under the same category as demanding the Leafs blow off the rest of the season to secure a number one draft pick. I'm not sure there are a lot of buyers for Sundin anyway and, as mentioned, his departure for a couple of short-term players would do little for the team in the long run. That being said, perhaps he wants out of Toronto so he can finish out his career with a Stanley Cup ring. We'll just have to wait and see what Fletcher does.
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
Over-rated.
Over-paid.
Too much ice time.
Any player where the CBC announcer can say "He's having his best statistical season to date, ever" ....
... immediately followed by "He has been held scoreless in the last 10 games" isn't fit to carry the team.
It's not that he's not a talented player - he is. And in the last three years he's learned to backcheck, which is great.
But he is the definition of the player that floats 20 minutes a game and then happens to be at the top of the slot to pop a goal in.
He's a good player, he's just not a franchise player.
Edit Comment Cancel
Stephen Dyell about 1 year ago
I can see your points but he is taking away ice time from someone who could have an impact three to four years from now. Sundins days are over.
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
Sundin's value is very very low, contrary to what wishful Toronto media types want you to believe. What GM in his right mind would give up real assets for a guy who a) for all intents and purposes says that he will only give his all if he plays for Toronto, and b) will almost certainly be gone in 4 months because of that same loyalty? Even if my club was on the cusp of a stanley cup, I wouldn't pay more than second rounder and maybe a middle tier prospect for Sundin. He should have kept quiet to at least keep the illusion he would sign with another team long term. That's why Cliff Fletcher has no deals on the front burner - because everybody is throwing crap at him.
But at some point, Fletcher will realize that getting crap is better than getting nothing. They have zero chance of losing Sundin, who will sign back with Toronto in the summer for a heavy discount - and beg to do it. Mats is effectively saying, "screw you Toronto I have my pride," I don't care about your stupid rebuilding. And the Leaf fans lap it up from their "hero." Lol!
Edit Comment Cancel
eyebleaf about 1 year ago
Sundin is a franchise player - anyone who argues is a complete moron. Look at the garbage Sundin has been surrounded by year-after-year, and yet he still produces. Get over yourselves. Show the man some respect. It's always nice to see the Sundin-bashing comments are done by "anonymous" users.
Sundin's "days are over"? A point-per-game at age 37 means his "days are over"? Then a whole truck-load of NHLers need to retire, because their "days are over" as well. Complete and utter nonsense. Check back when you can make some sense.
Sundin's value is very low? Check back to last year when an injury-riddled Forsberg was traded for the equivalent of three-first round picks. Also check back to last year when Ryan Smyth was traded for the same. He is the best player on the market, hands down. Way better than Marian Hossa, who pulls a disappearing act in the playoffs. Sundin is proven, both in the regular season and the playoffs, and to say his value is "very, very low" is, once again, completely nonsensical.
I want Sundin to retire a Leaf like the majority of Leafs fans who appreciate what he's done since he's been in the blue and white. However, in the interest of the franchise, he needs to be moved. He can always come back as a free agent and realize his dream, and mine, of retiring as a Maple Leaf. It just wouldn't be wise to not move such an asset at this time, when the Leafs desperately need young assets in return.
Edit Comment Cancel
Steve Held about 1 year ago
Well said Navin. I agree completely. Although it would have great sentimental value for lots of people if he retired a Leaf, sometimes other forces are at work. Like the fact that the management still needs to make a profitable product out of the team. Unfortunately it's not only a matter of loyalty, but a business decision as well. As far as the crap offers the Leafs are getting for Sundin, I cannot confidently comment on either way. But I'd be surpised if his value isn't high, especially after Forsberg's withdrawal from the deadline lottery.
Edit Comment Cancel
Steve Held about 1 year ago
Well said Navin. I agree completely. Although it would have great sentimental value for lots of people if he retired a Leaf, sometimes other forces are at work. Like the fact that the management still needs to make a profitable product out of the team. Unfortunately it's not only a matter of loyalty, but a business decision as well. As far as the crap offers the Leafs are getting for Sundin, I cannot confidently comment on either way. But I'd be surpised if his value isn't high, especially after Forsberg's withdrawal from the deadline lottery.
Edit Comment Cancel
Steve Held about 1 year ago
Well said Navin. I agree completely. Although it would have great sentimental value for lots of people if he retired a Leaf, sometimes other forces are at work. Like the fact that the management still needs to make a profitable product out of the team. Unfortunately it's not only a matter of loyalty, but a business decision as well. As far as the crap offers the Leafs are getting for Sundin, I cannot confidently comment on either way. But I'd be surpised if his value isn't high, especially after Forsberg's withdrawal from the deadline lottery.
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
Keeping Sundin?? That would be a mistak - the Leafs need to rebuild and Sundin holds the key to getting the most prospects back.
This team has no future with Sundin - let's face it - do you really think Sundin is going to win a Stanley Cup with this current roster?
I should hope your answer is - NO
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
What a moronic article.
sounds like it was written by a 14-year old puke with a mats sundin poster on his bedroom wall.
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
Navin, Some people don't wish to register and give out their email to a hundred different websites, but still have worthwhile opinions, so the lack of a name doesn't imply that they are afraid of backing up their comments.
Sundin's ability as a player is unquestionable, that doesn't translate to trade value. Giving up first round picks plus roster players and prime prospects just to get a player who will play 3 months for you (at most) is ridiculous. Most savy GMs realize this. So you just gave away your future and then your team tanks in the third round (or less), then Sundin resigns with TO in the summer for a huge discount. Is that wise? That's what makes Sundin not valuable, that he makes it totally clear that he has no interest in signing with any team other than Toronto. Forsberg clearly was not in the category, so your comparison is not valid.
So please think about the post you responding to before you yourself respond. You come off sounding biased and not having thought about all sides. No offence! :)
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
Thank you! All this needed to be said, I only hope that Matt knows how devoted a following he has. Like you I am of the opinion that if he chose to leave, I would hold no grudges, he deserves whatever good fortune can come his way. I'm too young to have witnessed any true Leaf glory, the closest is the Cujo years with Mogilny and company, through out it all this man has been the only Captain I've known and I'd have it no other way. I could care less about winning a cup any time soon if he's not at the helm. We are undeserving of him, but I'm selfish enough to be extremely grateful that he's wanting to stick around until the end. In true Leaf fashion, I have a limitless amount of hope that every year will be our year ... it's just a matter of time, and if we're lucky enough it'll be while Sundin's still around. :)
Edit Comment Cancel
Steve Held about 1 year ago
I didn't mean to post that comment so many times. Sorry, my bad everybody!
Edit Comment Cancel
Andrew Iles about 1 year ago
I agree - he has done everything for MLSEL. He is the face of the francise and the leader in their dressing room. All these hurtful articles about a guy who might still waive his no-trade clause and refuses to give up. I don't think anyone with a brain expected him to say anything publicly except that he is here to win and that he doesn't want to go anywhere.
Let Mats make up his mind without everyone's two cents. After all - nobody is forcing you to say bye to your friends and family to go work somewhere else.
He has earned that right.
Edit Comment Cancel
Andrew Iles about 1 year ago
I agree - he has done everything for MLSEL. He is the face of the francise and the leader in their dressing room. All these hurtful articles about a guy who might still waive his no-trade clause and refuses to give up. I don't think anyone with a brain expected him to say anything publicly except that he is here to win and that he doesn't want to go anywhere.
Let Mats make up his mind without everyone's two cents. After all - nobody is forcing you to say bye to your friends and family to go work somewhere else.
He has earned that right.
Edit Comment Cancel
Andrew Iles about 1 year ago
I agree - he has done everything for MLSEL. He is the face of the francise and the leader in their dressing room. All these hurtful articles about a guy who might still waive his no-trade clause and refuses to give up. I don't think anyone with a brain expected him to say anything publicly except that he is here to win and that he doesn't want to go anywhere.
Let Mats make up his mind without everyone's two cents. After all - nobody is forcing you to say bye to your friends and family to go work somewhere else.
He has earned that right.
Edit Comment Cancel
Andrew Iles about 1 year ago
I agree - he has done everything for MLSEL. He is the face of the francise and the leader in their dressing room. All these hurtful articles about a guy who might still waive his no-trade clause and refuses to give up. I don't think anyone with a brain expected him to say anything publicly except that he is here to win and that he doesn't want to go anywhere.
Let Mats make up his mind without everyone's two cents. After all - nobody is forcing you to say bye to your friends and family to go work somewhere else.
He has earned that right.
Edit Comment Cancel
Andrew Iles about 1 year ago
I agree - he has done everything for MLSEL. He is the face of the francise and the leader in their dressing room. All these hurtful articles about a guy who might still waive his no-trade clause and refuses to give up. I don't think anyone with a brain expected him to say anything publicly except that he is here to win and that he doesn't want to go anywhere.
Let Mats make up his mind without everyone's two cents. After all - nobody is forcing you to say bye to your friends and family to go work somewhere else.
He has earned that right.
Edit Comment Cancel
Andrew Iles about 1 year ago
I agree - he has done everything for MLSEL. He is the face of the francise and the leader in their dressing room. All these hurtful articles about a guy who might still waive his no-trade clause and refuses to give up. I don't think anyone with a brain expected him to say anything publicly except that he is here to win and that he doesn't want to go anywhere.
Let Mats make up his mind without everyone's two cents. After all - nobody is forcing you to say bye to your friends and family to go work somewhere else.
He has earned that right.
Edit Comment Cancel
Andrew Iles about 1 year ago
I agree - he has done everything for MLSEL. He is the face of the francise and the leader in their dressing room. All these hurtful articles about a guy who might still waive his no-trade clause and refuses to give up. I don't think anyone with a brain expected him to say anything publicly except that he is here to win and that he doesn't want to go anywhere.
Let Mats make up his mind without everyone's two cents. After all - nobody is forcing you to say bye to your friends and family to go work somewhere else.
He has earned that right.
Edit Comment Cancel
Andrew Iles about 1 year ago
my bad too - putt putt computer
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
''When I was approached by teams, most recently in Florida at the GM meetings, I just felt; don't waste my time and don't waste yours,'' said Fletcher. - source TSN.
Fletcher said he met with Sundin's agent J.P. Berry on Friday and that the process of their discussions was still on-going, but that there were no significant offers from other clubs for Sundin's services.- source TSN
Well, it seems Sundin's value isn't that high. It seems that Sundin himself has pretty much stated that if traded he would not be motivated to play for any other team. So what does that make his trade value? Zero. He could be the best player in the world but nobody wants him because he only bleeds blue and white. I wonder how Leaf nation would view his stance. Is he being loyal or is he just flipping the bird to the organization and looking out for number one? When the GM of an organization says we don't want ya, who exactly are you being loyal to when you refuse to leave?
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.