With the 2008 NHL trade deadline fast approaching, rumors are flying fast and furious over which players might get traded, many of them centering around Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin.
The Leafs are clearly in rebuild mode, having fired John Ferguson Jr as general manager, bringing back Cliff Fletcher as interim GM whilst searching for a permanent replacement, and fielding offers for some of their better – and expensive – veteran players.
Sundin tops the list, and for good reason, for despite his age (37) he’s still considered among the league’s top centers, currently on pace for an 82 point season, all the more noteworthy considering he’s achieved that on one of the NHL worst teams.
He’s also an unrestricted free agent but that won’t hurt his trade value, as there’s likely several teams willing to pay big for Sundin’s services, even if only as a playoff rental.
But there’s one thing standing in the way, Sundin’s no-trade clause and his persistent refusal to waive it to facilitate a trade.
Now it’s possible that Sundin could change his mind by the deadline, but if we take the Leafs captain at his word, he has no intention of doing so.
Such loyalty to a franchise, particularly one that hasn’t been to the Stanley Cup finals in 41 years, is commendable.
Other star veterans have left their long-time teams for an opportunity to play for a Cup contender, most notably Boston Bruins legend Ray Bourque in 2000 when he requested a trade to the Colorado Avalanche.
Nobody faulted Bourque for doing so, indeed, he was applauded for his long years of service with the Bruins and is still highly thought of by Bruins fans, who didn’t begrudge his desire to play elsewhere for a Stanley Cup.
But apparently for Sundin, playing for a Cup contender isn’t as important as being a Maple Leaf.
One would think he would be applauded for his loyalty, instead, he’s being criticized and vilified by some pundits and fans.
His critics suggest he’s merely being selfish for not agreeing to a trade, that he’s not putting the needs of the Leafs above his own, that he’s seriously hurting the franchise’s attempt for a strong start to their rebuilding program.
His refusal is being considered a prime example of how a player with a “no-trade/movement” clause can hold a team hostage and handcuff their efforts to rebuild.
These criticisms however are baseless and silly, petty carping by disgruntled followers of a so-called hockey institution seeking any scapegoat for the second-longest active Stanley Cup drought in NHL history.
Mats Sundin doesn’t owe the Leafs anything. He’s given everything to this team that they’ve always needed since he joined them in the summer of 1994 in a trade with the then-Quebec Nordiques.
He was behind the eight-ball in the eyes of Leafs fans upon his arrival, as team management had parted with beloved captain Wendal Clark as part of the deal for Sundin.
His leadership during the late 1990s was questioned, especially after he was made team captain in 1997after Doug Gilmour, another popular Leafs captain, departed.
The criticism was always worse in the playoffs, for despite the obvious shortcomings of the club from year to year he often was unfairly burdened with the blame for not carrying the Leafs further.
He’s led the Leafs in scoring every year but one since the 1994-95 season, he’s the Leafs all-time leading goal-scorer and points leader and second all time in assists, yet faced criticism that he “never took his game to the next level”.
His toughness was questioned, despite playing through injuries that would put lesser players on the sidelines.
Darryl Sittler, Wendal Clark and Doug Gilmour are considered icons for Toronto Maple Leaf fans, yet none of them led the Leafs in scoring as often as Sundin, and none of them had any better success getting the Leafs to the Cup Finals than Sundin.
So why doesn't Sundin get the respect he deserves? It wouldn't be because he's a Swede and not a "good Canadian boy" like Darryl, Wendal and Dougie, would it?
Who knows, but Sundin never conjures up the same reverence amongst Leafs fans as Sittler, Clark and Gilmour.
It’s one thing to face those criticisms and complaints, but in the hothouse atmosphere of Toronto, that kind of pressure would break most players.
Not Sundin. Through it all, he was consistently the Maple Leafs best player, both in the regular season and the playoffs. The Leafs could find no better representative.
He faced the media even after blowout losses, which over the last two seasons there’s been more of. He’s been through all the highs and lows and carried himself with class. He’s never sulked, never pouted, never tried to blame others.
And now, he’s getting dumped on because he doesn’t want to be traded.
Loyalty is supposed to be a two-way street, but obviously it’s only one way for some Toronto fans and pundits.
I don’t blame the Leafs management for considering the possibility of moving Sundin as part of their rebuilding program. It’s a business decision. I think Fletcher and his predecessor have handled this well, not belittling Sundin or trying to force him into accepting a trade.
All Sundin is doing is upholding his part of his contract, which he and his agent negotiated in good faith with the Maple Leafs. The clause was included, not as window dressing, but as a means of assuring Sundin peace of mind, to ensure he would remain in the only city he wanted to play hockey.
No one should be shocked if he decides to exercise that right.
Considering the Leafs erratic trade record in recent years and the salary cap, there’s no guarantee that Fletcher can land the kind of return that so many fans and pundits hope he can get. If Sundin wants to stay, then why not stop wasting time trying to trade him and focus instead on re-signing him?
After all, it’s not as though top free agents are stampeding to Toronto anymore, in part because of the salary cap but also because of the team’s mediocrity and the unrealistic expectations of the fan base. Keeping Sundin, a star who actually wants to be a Maple Leaf, might be a better option.
Leafs management has every right to ask him to waive it, and he has every right to refuse.
Despite it all, he’s being ripped as selfish, spoiled, unworthy to be a Maple Leaf despite all he’s done and continues to do for the franchise.
Some are calling for the Leafs to “play hardball” with Sundin, to strip him of the captaincy and tell him he’ll never play in Toronto again so he might as well waive the clause right now. In short, force him out of Toronto.
Yeah, that’s a great idea. The Maple Leafs already are garnering a reputation as a mismanaged franchise, let’s also make it known as a franchise that doesn’t appreciate its stars. What a great way to attract and retain talent.
For all Sundin has done for the Maple Leafs, he’s earned the right to decide if he’ll stay or go.
I'm a little surprised how Mats Sundin has become the villain of this story for refusing to give up his no trade clause. You would expect that if a player has been given an NTC he will likely use it.
Now, if Sundin refuses a deadline trade and then signs somewhere else over the summer (so the Leafs are completely shut-out from compensation), I think Leafs fans have a right to be miffed. Unfortunately, that's the marketplace we find ourselves in.
It wasn't all that long ago when the Oilers kept Curtis Joseph for the playoff run, only to see him leave as a free agent at the end of the season for no compensation. (Gee, if only I could recall what team he ultimately signed with...)
In my perfect world, Sundin would agree to a deadline deal, procure some great assets for the Leafs, go off and win the Stanley Cup four months down the road, and re-sign with the Leafs in the summer finding himself surrounded by upgraded talent. Just the way Doug Weight did it a couple of seasons ago.
But that's not necessarily Sundin's perfect world. Maybe he wants to stay in Toronto. Maybe he'd like to finish his career there in the next season or two.
Will the venom flowing from this NTC business even allow that to be a possibility if Sundin DOESN'T cave in and agree to a trade?
Is it really such a crime that a guy doesn't want to move himself for several months, then do it again sometime during the summer? I don't remember if he lives in Sweden during the off-season or not, but hopping on a plane to a summer home isn't quite the same as packing your family and your lives into a trailer and moving across several states and/or provinces. Ask anyone who's ever bought or sold a house in their lifetime. Moving is a pain in the ####. It's a physical and emotional process, one that only a few individuals actually enjoy. We simpletons generally move somewhere between 1-4 times in our lives, but we don't do it in a span of one year. Hockey players aren't all that different from the rest of us.
Wouldn't it be a buster to see Sundin off to Ottawa though? After begrudgingly waiving his NTC, Sundin joins the Senators and wins a cup, gloats about it for months, signs with them in a cap-defying move that makes GM Murray look like a turbogenius, and all of a sudden Toronto's defensemen are stumbling on their heels six games a year trying to contain him.
Hey, at least I didn't put him on Broadway, right? A man can dream.
Sundin is the only high profile Leaf who more than delivered against the value of the prior long term contracts he signed.
last year, he could have demanded a three year deal, which he fully deserved, but chose a one year deal which gave maximum flexibility to both parties. it is not Sundin's fault the the Leafs' organization collected bad long term contracts the way Gretzky collected Art Ross trophies.
Sundin deserves respect and to the best of my knowledge, his professional and personal conduct is beyond reproach. he is much of what is good about Toronto hockey.
It comes down to the fact that a lot of leafs fans are so full of themselves that they think that Sundin should feel lucky to be a Leaf, when instead Leafs' fans should feel lucky to have had him for so long.
Sundin has produced points, but not Stanley Cup, so he owes it to the Leafs to drop his NTC to help his team out.
I don't buy one bit of it. But that's the story that the media is selling. It's sick. For a team that hasn't won a Cup in 41 years, you'd never guess that Sundin had produced as much as he has considering the treatment he's getting.
Best case scenerio: He resigns for cheaper next year.
Worst case scenerio: All this #### he's putting up with annoys him into early retirement, leaving the Leafs without a #1 center next year.
Do you think the Flyers get into the rental player market now that Gagne is out for the season? They certainly have a log jam of good young talent to offer an Atlanta or Toronto to get some offensive help. I would love to see a Briere, Hossa, Knuble line in the playoffs.
I remember making some of these remarks (though I certainly admit not as well put) during the discussion about a potential Sundin trade months ago. Point of fact: Sundin will retire the best Maple Leaf ever, bar none. That is a virtual certainty. If Toronto fans would rather tar and feather his steadfast refusal to desert a sinking ship, so be it. But understand you reap what you sow and it can't be a surprise when you're viewed poorly around the league. I think Toronto has great and passionate hockey fans, but anyone who dares to criticize Sundin over this is an ####. He could not have done more or cared more about this franchise.
As for the Flyers, another ugly one tonight. This team has already erased the memory of how well they played early on. Briere has no chemistry with Knuble and even less with whoever else they tack onto their line. I don't see the Flyers making any type of marquee move for two reasons: one, they are still squeezing under the salary ceiling even with the Gagne injury money; and, two, this team doesn't look close enough to me that it would be worth parting with an Umberger or Carter for a big name rental. The East is lousy enough (or competitive enough, take your Bettman pick of choice) that they aren't nearly out of it, so I'd say better to stand pat and address your needs in the offseason. One year can't be all that's required to turn them from what they were last year to a success story.
1) Its idiocy to criticize Sundin or any player for that matter for exercising the rights they bargained for in their contracts.
2) Some players took less $$ for a NTC. If a team thought it an issue they should never have included/offered it in the first place. Certainly they shouldn't be astonished when the player actually uses/employs that negotiated option!
3) On the flip side, unlike Blake who has a ring, one has to wonder why a player like Sundin who has never won a Cup wouldn't want a shot? Yes, its his right to refuse, but its legit to ask, why.
You can tell Spector has never been to Toronto, let alone lived here. He doesn't seem to realize that if there is a city in the western hemisphere prone to cheering for "foreigners" ahead of "their own," it's Toronto--the immigrant capital of Canada. Torontonians anti-Swede? Not likely. If anything, they'll tell you that not only are Swedish meatballs better, but their hockey is, their women are, and even the (blech) music of Abba beats Rush--that is, if you ask Torontonians. The people of Toronto--more than any other part of Canada--seldom fail to find opportunities to gush over foreign achievements and blush over their own. --wish it were otherwise says brokenstick, the diehard Toronto-located Canadian-born Islanders fan--especially after Tucker's cheapshot low-bridge on Peca in the 01 playoffs. Hate the Leafs. Hope it's another 40 years for them.
Last edited by brokenstick on February 21st at 9:11 PM.
On the contrary, brokenstick, I've been to Toronto several times in my life, and more than just passing through for a day.
I just find it interesting that Leafs fans (and being a good Canadian boy I know they're not exclusive to Toronto) gush over Sittler, Clark and Gilmour, but when it comes to Sundin, their reaction is subdued. The fact that Sundin's a Swede and the other three are Canadian appears more than coincidence.
Maybe some die-hard Leafs fans can explain this phenomenon. If it ain't anti-Swede, then why oh why hasn't Sundin gotten his just due, since in my opinion he's the greatest Leafof the post-1967 era, greater than Sittler, Clark and Gilmour.
Great Article ..... Everything you have address in this Article is correct! The only thing is you are taking opions of Leaf Fans that aren't true Maple Leafs Fans ..... I think Sundin is Unbelievable he is the only thing Toronto has had going good for years .... It's not fair that you said ALL Leafs Fans are trying to push Sundin to Waive his No Trade Clause... Because Sundin is my favorite and would be crushed if and or when he decides to go. So with that being said Don't always blow the negative B.S. Out of proportion..... because i can guarentee you Spector's that there are plenty of LEAFS Fans that Feel the same way I DO!!!!!
"I just find it interesting that Leafs fans (and being a good Canadian boy I know they're not exclusive to Toronto) gush over Sittler, Clark and Gilmour, but when it comes to Sundin, their reaction is subdued. The fact that Sundin's a Swede and the other three are Canadian appears more than coincidence."
You're going to go by the idiotic articles posted by morons like Damien Cox and Steve Simmons, who wouldn't know talent if it hit them in the back of the head?
It's already been established that the Toronto media is idiotic. Actually buying most of the BS that comes from there is ridiculous in itself.
I can see why some Leafs fans feel frustrated over this situation, but the fact is it's not Sundin's fault. The blame lies with the board of directors and ex-GM John Ferguson Jr., since they handed out these idiotic contracts without any foresight at all.
"The fact that Sundin's a Swede and the other three are Canadian appears more than coincidence."
You're drawing conclusions from a coincidence. Sittler, Gilmour, and Clark are all arguably easier to cheer for than Sundin, and not because he's a Swede, but rather because they all had a savoir faire that Sundin lacks. He's just a SOLID player, and they were all icons. Gilmour brought the city to its feet by suddenly bursting onto the scene. Sittler had that 10 point night and was a top 5 scorer in the NHL for a few years. Clark was a force--and scored 46 one year. Plus, the move from the Gardens to the ACC happened in Sundin's era--and now the Leafs are the godless corporate maple leafs rather than the storied Toronto Maple Leafs. It's bad luck and coincidence for Mats. If the Leafs fans are tired of him, send him to the Island. We'll take him.
If anything I think he should leave toronto, he has held that lousy team on his shoulders for years. And now some canadians give him ####.
As a swede I have seen him in the olympics and many international tournament and that guy is clutch and a true leader. Anyone saying a canadian would have done a better job with that lousy lineup is just making a fool of themselfs.
As bad as Canuck fans ripped Cloutier, after 3 consecutive 30 win seasons, for all his injuries and questionable goaltending in front of an offense first team, that is nothing compared to how bad leaf fans and leaf media rip every single aspect of the Leafs hockey team, management and anything organizationally affiliated with it. Understandably Toronto is one of, if not one of the league's top hockey cities, but it's insane.
Your argument was well put. Well done.
I hope Toronto is able to put together a competitive team in a few years, in the meantime, the media and fans who do rip the team constantly, you're not making it any easier for management to bring in talent. A lot of talented players don't like playing for big hockey markets, let alone ones that rip their best and most talented and hardworking players.
DarkPhoenix hit the nail on the head. It's the "pundits" that want Sundin gone. These small men have visions of grandeur and truly believe they are the only ones who know how to run the Leafs and what the fans want.
As a Leaf fan, I find it funny that we are ignorant blowhards who follow our team blindly, but any other Canadian team goes through bad times, and the fans that continue to support them are not considered as such. No, they are boosters, showing their love for their team.
As far as not "gushing" over Sundin, I would suggest you all locate Sundin's 500 goal game in TO, I believe it was 10/14/07. If the crowds reaction wasn't gushing, well then it must have been a bunch of ignorant blowhards who don't know any better and we're there just to cheer whoever.
Toronto media is pathetic when it comes to hockey. Quite frankly, TSN has been on a slippery slope with Leafs coverage themselves for quite some time as well. These opinions are paid for Spec, and nothing sells better than controversy. You should know considering the field you are now employed in.
Toronto fans are kind of a mixed bag. I'm one of them. I'm one of those who would be very distraught at the thought of Mats moving, mostly because there'd be no guarantee that he'd be back. I'm not sure I would blame him. To me, Mats embodies many of those qualities we would consider essential for a (Canadian) Captain. Grit, determination, skill, prowess, etiquette, etc. I'm proud to have him as the captain of my favourite team. The leafs have made many mistakes in the past few years, but signing Mats with a no trade clause was not one of them. If anyone in today's NHL has earned it, through years of exceptional service in a sometimes thankless environment, it's Mats.
I don't think the Flyers would have to part with any of thier current marquis roster players to get a rental. Giroux had a good showing for 2 games and Van Rymsdyk has alot of upside. I questioned why the Flyers called up Giroux. Maybe it was to showcase him to other GMs. I believe a package of one of those two, some picks, and maybe a Cote or Rusicka would do the trick.
I couldn't agree more. I really believe Gomez would have been a better signing for the Flyers in the off season. Briere just hasn't clicked with anyone but Gange.
Last edited by flyersfan33 on February 22nd at 10:05 AM.
First, it's not as if Leaf fans don't love Sundin. It's just that some of us realize that we aren't going to win the cup in the next few years, so why keep him if he can fetch a package of players/picks that could elevate the team to a contender in a few years? There shouldn't be anyone on a non-playoff team (for the third year in a row) that's untouchable, period. For the most part, the good teams now weren't good not so long ago. You can argue it's actually better for the team to tank for a few years, draft well (which is a stretch for this team) and form a decent nucleus to move to the next level.
As for Toronto not embracing Sundin, well, you obviously don't live here. He's a god in this city. Sundin isn't as beloved as Clark and Gilmour simply because he isn't physical. He's calm, he's collected, he's great at what he does. But he's never played a physical game or worn his heart on his sleeve that way that those two did, and if you want the adoration of the cheap seats it helps if you throw your weight around once in a while.
So, by all means, keep reporting on the hockey stories coming out of Toronto. But don't pretend you know what fans in Toronto are thinking. I've been to PEI, but that doesn't make me an expert on Anne of Green Gables.
Toronto is fortunate that Sundin didn't demand a trade long ago. You'd be hard-pressed to find a player of his caliber who would be willing to put up with all the front office nonsense that's gone on anywhere else in the league. Yes, he's paid good money to put up with it, but he'd be paid that and more by any number of suitors. Toronto fans should stop worrying about what they can get for him and appreciate what he's done for the totality of his career. The Leafs need a hell of a lot more help than some deadline deal will bring them anyway. I respect the folks from Toronto who have stood up and said this is a media issue rather than a fanbase one, and let's face it..anyone claiming to know what Sundin wants or desires is likely going through those infamous unnamed sources, because I've rarely if ever heard him discuss it. He earned that clause and he should use it as he sees fit. Stop being so upset that he actually wants to stay, because I daresay you'll have some difficulty finding someone of his caliber again.
1. Great article, Spec. Seems like you've got the lads talking.
2. TSN is a total joke. Those hacks couldn't report the news if their collective pathetic lives depended on it. I feel bad for that shoppe.
3. Sundin is great. I hope HE decides where he plays, whether that be in Toronto or elsewhere.
But, the real issue here is the total mismanagement of the Leafs' organisation. Consitently, they've drawn up ridiculous contracts, signed players that don't seem to fit whatever system they are attempting to introduce, draft the wrong player or they make poor trades. If management is in fact to blame, then I'm quite positive they'll blow this one as well. I'm not Canadian and haven't lived in Toronto. But it appears from my perch that the city is extremely passionate about their Leafs. It is a bummer that they will continue to falter for several more seasons. I love the sport and it would be great to see Toronto become competitive again. Sadly, I can't see that happening for some time.
TSN is FUNNY! They hired JFJ and gave him a couple of segments to explain what HE would do to fix the Leafs...I don't remember the last time I laughed THAT hard!
Detroit has been su####iously quiet on the trade rumor front. Don't they have an interest in Sundin, Richards, Hossa or any of the other big fish, or are they still hurting from the Bertuzzi bust? Or cap room issues?
Anyone heard anything?
Last edited by prideofCapetown on February 22nd at 2:55 PM.
Hey Lyle, local maritimer here. I disagree with you and your opinion on die hard leafs and undervalueing Mats. Maybe I am in the minority but I truly feel he is the greatest Leaf ever. Could you imagine if this guy had a goal scorer to play with? He hasn't had a legit linemate or teammate since the Mogilny days. Any leaf fan or hockey fan for that matter can't argue the fact that Sundin, although hasn't won a cup, has scored some of the most timely goals, tying or winning or overtime, in Leaf history. It gives me shivers to think about all the awesome memories I have of him. Anyways dude, love your articles and your site.....
Pride: I haven't heard a LOT of buzz re: the Wings, but I've heard they do have interest in few of the bigger names. I'm really interested in seeing what they do this year, because I'm pretty sure they have a fair amount of cap space to work with. I just hope (as any fan of any team does) that they don't mortgage their future for a rental. They draft and develop well, and I'd hate to see one of their prospects flourish on another team.
Danig: I removed your latest post due to profanity, If you want to disagree with me, fine, but I'm sure you can get that point across without a profanity laced tirade.
Also, my comments are not based on just what most in the Toronto media have to say, but also on numerous discussions with Leafs fans online and in person, as well as what's been written about Sundin by Leafs fans (not just in Toronto but across Canada and around the world) in numerous message boards and comments in articles on the subject. Much of what I've read and heard (including here in little PEI, which has a large and fanatical base of Leafs fan)is that Sundin must waive his NTC for the good of the Leafs and if he won't then he's being selfish and spoiled.
Also notice that in the article I write about "some pundits and fans".I don't tar everyone with the same brush. That being said, there's an undeniable feeling of anger toward Sundin right now that I find disturbing.
Last edited by Spector on February 22nd at 5:10 PM.
Fair enough for deleting my post, apologies for the profanity.
I just honestly don't hear any (or at least anywhere near as much) of the vitriol towards Sundin except for the tools that write for the papers and those who I listen to (god knows why I listen, but I do) on the Fan590. And a couple Leafs fans I know who have been calling for his trade for the last five years.
I still stand by what I said, that the Leafs need to trade him and build around their younger stars, not their 37 year old fan-favourite. That would be like the Bruins, instead of letting Bourque go to the Avs, trying to start a rebuilding process around him. That would be ridiculous. If they can get something to help build towards the future, then they pretty much have to do it. I also DO believe that while he doesn't owe the Leafs anything, he should at the very least understand what they have to do to make the team better and understand that as a 37 year old, he really doesn't have much of a place with them.
Also, fair enough on 'some pundits and fans', but you also entitled your article "Toronto Doesn't Deserve Mats Sundin", right? Seems like you're pretty much tarring an entire CITY with the same brush to me, does it not to you? At all?
Hear, hear! Sundin is underappreciated in the media... I am not a Leafs fan, but many of my friends are, however, and I can say that most if not all of them would be very sad to see Sundin go. Moreover, none of them blame him for staying. Obviously, they'd like whatever return he'd fetch for rebuilding, but they appreciate that he has earned the right to choose to stay based on his almost 15 years of loyal service. Someone said it above, but it bears repeating, Sundin is the best Leaf ever, and he will doubtlessly and deservedly be the last Leaf to wear #13
Personally, I wouldn't feel right seeing Sundin in any other uniform... as a Sens fan, he's one of the few Leafs who I respected and revered through the years of our playoff battles...
Of course, if they're really hell bent on dealing him, I think we could find an opening :)
Thanks for your insightful contribution. Whatever happens, I hope Sundin knows there are sports fans across the country proud of his principled stand. Today, I saw Sundin dismiss the option of being traded to a contender, stating instead he would want to be there right from training camp. In a sport (and world) full of selfishness and shallowness, I am proud of someone in an influential position showing so much principle. It is shameful that this kind of loyalty will likely be rewarded by jeers of some (not all) Leaf fans. I hope the Leaf braintrust is able to think up a sensitive way of reframing this whole issue that paints Sundin in a properly golden light.
Last edited by cowens on February 23rd at 3:10 PM.
It'll be interesting to see what happens if he doesn't agree to waive. Everyone seems to be assuming that he will re-sign with Toronto. Why? By trying to trade him, they're acknowledging that, however good/great he is, he is NOT the future of the team. Why would they then re-sign him if they're trying to get younger and free up cap space? They won't be able to trade Kubina, McCabe or Tucker, so if they DO want to shed salary, the easiest way would be to not sign Sundin and to trade Kaberle when they don't make the playoffs. As stupid as I think it is to get rid of their only good d-man, trading Kaberle and not re-signing Sundin frees up nearly $10M in cap space. That, coupled with the possibility (I think they mentioned it on HNIC this afternoon) that McCabe is traded, that's a LOT of salary to go after younger UFAs, etc.
I think, right now, both Sundin and the organization are being selfish.
Oh, and let's not pretend that Sundin is to Toronto what Yzerman was to Detroit.
It appears some in the Toronto media are as unhappy over Sundin's treatment as I and some of you.
HockeyCentral's Bill Watters and Nick Kypreos expressed their disgust for the whole process. Watters doubts Sundin will return to Toronto after this season and Kypreos chided Leafs ownership for embarrassing Sundin, forcing him out of town, and compared it to when Keon and Sittler were forced out.
Granted, Watters and Kypreos had a working relationship with Sundin and are probably close to him, but regardless, I think their assessment is correct, and it's yet another sad example of how poorly run the once-proud Leafs have been run since 1967.
danig: You make a very good point regarding not re-signing Sundin, and ditching Kaberle this summer as it would free up nearly $10 million in cap space.
That being said, however, don't assume Toronto will be able to attract those younger UFAs that might make a difference. The Leafs right now don't have a good reputation because of their ownership/management follies, and there's no guarantee they'll spend that money wisely even with a new GM.
I think they'd be better off rebuilding the way Montreal has. Sure, it takes time and means several years of mediocrity, but if the fans know this team is really serious about rebuilding, they'll be willing to wait and still support the team, just as Habs fans did with Montreal. Free agency might help but I wouldn't put much stock into it.
I caught Hockeycentral too. It was almost comical how pissed off Kypreos seemed to be.
And yeah, there is definitely going to be some question as to whether or not Toronto can attract the younger UFAs they would be looking for. That said, there seem to always be people willing to go to Toronto and play for the Leafs. I can't explain it, but it seems to be the case.
I wonder, if they don't trade him before the deadline, if Philly or Toronto would try and redo the rumoured Kaberle/Carter trade during the summer. OR, Toronto could throw an offer sheet his way, who knows...
1. The discrimination claim is just plain dangerous and getting old ... we read it too often with regard to race, and now you're throwing in nationality.
--> The Montreal fans love a Finn named Koivu because they feel he battles (on and OFF the ice obviously) and the Calgary fans love a black Canadian named Iginla because he plays with intensity and grit, hardly the traditional Canadian like good 'ol Lanny MacD.
(And let's face it, Toronto's population is nearly half foreign-born, so why would good 'ol traditional Canadians be especially popular?)
The plain and simple reality is that Sundin doesn't seem like a guy that put himself out nearly as much as Gilmour and Clark, who relied more on determination than talent.
2. THIS IDEA THAT SUNDIN IS SO LOYAL:
He is just comfortable in Toronto and doesn't want to move ... as others pointed out, moving a family is a pain in the you know what.
I can understand him not wanting to go through the inconvenience of moving ... but let's be clear, he is not staying out of loyalty.
And hence why he won't be loved along the likes of Gilmour and Clark ... he just doesn't give off the aura o####ive it everything for the team.
Instead, he looks more like a guy that is very comfortable in Toronto.
THAT MAY ULTIMATELY BE WHY HE IS NOT LOVED IN TORONTO: A WINNER WANTS TO WIN MORE THAN LIVE COMFORTABLY. YOU HAVE TO WONDER, DOES THE STANLEY REALLY MEAN MUCH TO HIM? ALL SIGNS POINT TO "NO."
(PS - GREAT JOB ON THE RUMOUR MILL AND ALL THE ARTICLES!!! I just real
Boo Hoo for the GM"S and Teams crying about no trade clauses. It is just another case of the players having to save the teams from their own practices. Just like the salary cap, Boo Hoo salaries are out of control. Who's fault was that, a few GM's breaking the bank for mediocre players driving up the salaries. Now after the cap system is in place GM's need to be creative to sign players throwing in some perks. NTC is one of those perks, I have seen players sign for less money to sign with a team they wanted to play with or have the security of a NTC. Hold the GM's accountable for the messes that they create and not the players, You don't see many players crying I want to change my contract it is not working out for me. My advice to the GM"s is get real, if you don't think NTC's are good for the game or your team refuse to sign them, that is why you are in charge.
Last edited by njdevilman on February 24th at 5:03 AM.
There is a creative way for the Leafs and Mats to help each other, if Mats wants to retire a Leaf, not be traded, and get a better team.
Sign a 6 year contract, with salary payable whether or not Mats plays with the team. Eg 6 years at $2.5mm for $15mm total. Leafs would likely get Mats at two years as an impact player, maybe two more years in a reduced role, and maybe 2 years as a newly retired player but an ambassador for the team. Cap space is created for the next two years to sign free agents or make trades for people that would need the cap space. For the Leafs, they also keep a very valuable asset.
If the team signs Mats for two years, market price would have to be fairly close to the $5.5mm he is now being paid, and then the Leafs limit their cap room for improving themselves.
This is not a deal for everyone. But the case of Mats and the Leafs is pretty unusual--a loyal captain who wants to retire a Leaf, and who can help his team in a different way than simply getting traded, and then resigning, which would not sit with the classy guy that Sundin has shown himself to be.
For those who refuse to listen to what Mats is realy saying in all those "I want to stay" soundbites...
Sundin has repeatedly said that he wants to follow his heart on this. If you are a leaf fan and think this is a sefish stance, consider this:
What if someone put you in a situation, that FORCED you to be a fan of another team. To ignore all that is "blue white and holy", and transfer all that gut clenching, heart fluttering emotion you feel as you follow your team through a playoff series, onto another team.
Thats what you are asking Sundin to do; give up on the team you have given your heart and soul to for 14 years, and go to a different team, and be sxpected to put forth the same effort for them.
Hockey is becoming more of a corporate money game than in the past. How many athletes these days are wiling to be as selfless and loyal as Sundin has been? How many are willing to take a pay cut, and forske a chance at the cup, because he can't imagine holding it wearing anything but a leaf uniform?
From a purely team point of view, I would love for Mats to take one more for the blue and white, and waive the clause. We are desperately in need of a major overhaul. But if this is going to put him in a situation where his heart is not in it, where he CAN'T give his all to something he does not believe in, then forget it.
So if he doesn't waive his ntc, and suits up against Florida on Wednesday, please take a moment to consider the choices he was given before you join in the booing.
Well, one could look at the loyalty thing a completely different way. Such as, if he's so loyal, then why won't he help the team he loves by waiving his NTC and helping them build for the future? He admitted yesterday that he's not even sure he'll be playing next year, so if he doesn't allow them to trade him then they run the very real risk of losing him anyway and getting nothing in return.
Danig, for some unknown reason, it seems as though besides myself, you are the only one that actually realizes what needs to be done. If i was Mats i would not hav sacrificed myself to a team that is going nowhere fast . The only solution would be to trade myself . For many years i followed the Make me Laughs, sry 4 the pun, and i am disgraced to say i am still a fan . Ever since the Ballard days the franchise has slowly faided to a business oriented money-making team and lost the site of the " CUP ". Sundin if you read any of these please save your team... if you love something and it is going nowhere , set it free!!!
Good on you, Mr. Richardson. Unfortunately, everybody in Toronto will just label you as a disgruntled Habs fan, seeing as you are from east of Ottawa. Look at what happened in Montréal last night with Gainey. They make one of the greatest leaders in team history their GM (finally) and retire his number. In TO, their berate one of the greatest leaders in team history for not wh0ring himself for a Stanley Cup. This is why the Habs have won ten (10), yes, in Roman numerals X, cups since the Leafs have wone one!
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
