Sundin Return Contradicts Everything We Thought We Once Knew

Last year around this time there was already whispers of how a Mats Sundin trade could set the Maple Leafs rebuild in motion.

Sundin, the face of the franchise, was to be traded for a myriad of picks, roster players and prospects that would fast track the Leafs in their efforts to rebuild by giving them some real solid pieces to work with.

There was just one problem, of course—Sundin didn't want to any part of it.

Instead the story played out like a tragedy.  Sundin was questioned and pressured daily by media and fans alike as the trade deadline neared.  In the days before the final trading day of the season, the scrutiny and questions became intense.  It actually went down to the wire, and looked like the Leafs and Sundin were on the verge of going their different ways after so many years together.

Sundin was asked one final time by Cliff Fletcher, ironically the man who acquired him so many years earlier.  Although it seemed like he wouldn't waive it and go anywhere, the 11th-hour negotiations made it seems plausible, and gave Leafs fans some shimmer of hope.

It wasn't to be, however.  A weary-eyed Sundin stood in front of a camera in the early hours of the eve of the trade deadline, looking like a man who hadn't slept in days.  A man who was seriously considering what options abound for him should he leave the franchise that he has called home so long.

In the end the sleep-deprived Sundin announced to reporters that he just couldn't do it.  He couldn't leave the Maple Leafs organization, for a couple reasons.  

The most obvious of course, is because it was a part of him.  He was in a Leafs uniform for many years, the best years of  his hockey career.  He was the owner of numerous Leafs records, and has been the captain for over ten years.

But he also gave logical reasons.  The following is a quoted statement that was released by Sundin, through his agent J.P. Berry in February amidst the trade deadline frenzy.

"I have never believed in the concept of a rental player. It is my belief that winning the Stanley Cup is the greatest thing you can achieve in hockey but for me, in order to appreciate it you have to have been part of the entire journey and that means October through June. I hope everyone will understand and respect my decision."

Make no mistake about it, I will always respect Mats Sundin.  His decision to not waive his no-trade clause, as I said at the time it was happening, WAs his decision to make.  One he deserved to make.  

For someone who has stuck with the Leafs through the best part of his career, hopeful they would find him wingers to play with and a Stanley Cup formula, Mats Sundin gave everything to Toronto.  He owed them nothing.

But if Mats Sundin is nearing a return, as several people in hockey circles believe, should we in the media, and the fans expect an apology for the lie he told to us on that February day?

With his agent J.P. Barry reportedly setting a December 15 deadline for his client to make his lists and begin negotiations to return to the NHL, he is essentially doing this season what he said he "never believed in" last season.

Make no mistake about it—what Mats Sundin will do this season is no different as to what he would have done last year.

Well, there is one difference.

The Maple Leafs will be left empty-handed.  And fans will be left with nothing, expect perhaps a bitter taste still resonating in their mouths.

It was common knowledge that Sundin was more than likely not to return to Toronto this year, if he were to return at all.  It was made abundantly clear last week when Brian Burke slammed the door on a return of the Big Swede.

While some fans are over it, some will still find it bitter and ironic that everything that was unacceptable last season will become a reality this year.

Sure, it may be termed differently, but there is a very real chance that beneath the surface, what Mats Sundin will do this year is no different than being a rental player, something he was vehemently opposed to this time last season.

For the record, Mats also said as last season ended he just didn't believe in returning midseason, a la Scott Neidermayer.  

He reiterated how the season long journey meant so much to him, and how being there from training camp to the end of the year was absolutely essential.

The Maple Leafs had the opportunity to move Mats Sundin to a number of teams for a number of packages.  All of them would have done wonders in the rebuild of the Leafs.

The Leafs—and more importantly their fans—will never get that dream package in exchange for Sundin.  In fact they won't get anything at all.

Not even an apology for the lie they were spoon-fed over the past 12 months.