Quick take on the Rangers-Lightning game in the Czech
Republic and the Penguins-Senators tilt in Sweden.
- The Blueshirts-Bolts matchup was kind of dull. That’s not
likely to impress fans of either club but I honestly didn’t find it a very
entertaining game.
Might’ve been the ice conditions, I’m not sure, but it just
seemed to lack energy in long stretches, although the excitement level increased late in the game when
the Rangers Brandon Dubinsky scored on a screen shot to snap a one-all tie and ultimately proved to be the game winner.
The Czech fans seemed to sit on their hands throughout most
of this, at least that's how it came across on television. That’s not to say they weren’t supportive but they certainly didn’t
have the noise factor of the Swedish fans.
At least the Rangers didn’t scratch Czech winger Petr Prucha
as rumored, perhaps over fear of a backlash?
Fellow Czech Michal Rozsival wasn’t much of a standout on
the Rangers blueline except an early first period giveaway that resulted in a
good scoring chance by the Lightning.
I can’t help but feel the fans would’ve been more into
it had Czech stars
Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka returned with the Rangers this season.
Jagr is
now playing for Avangard Omsk of the KHL after failing to reach a deal with the
Rangers (and has 17 points in fourteen games thus far) while Straka was not
signed as a UFA and is now playing in the Czech Extraliga.
Had Jagr been there I think the crowd would’ve been more
involved.
Both teams headed into this game and this season with
concerns over their respective defensive games and it was obvious after this match the
Bolts have work to do in that regard, especially their discipline.
Still, despite being outshot 41-21 the Lightning did make a
game of it, and a positive note was the performance of goalie Mike Smith, who
looked sharp and couldn’t be blamed for his team’s loss
- The Pens-Sens game, won 4-3 by Pittsburgh in overtime, was a more spirited affair as both clubs
played with more energy, and the Swedish fans certainly got into it, cheering on the Senators and their team captain, Swedish star Daniel Alfredsson.
Nice ovation given to Mats Sundin, the all-time leading
scorer amongst Swedish NHL players, who dropped the puck in a ceremonial
faceoff, prompting the Hockey Night in Canada commentators to wonder if this
was the last time we’ll see Sundin on the ice this season.
Two significant points in this one: Martin Gerber’s
goaltending could continue to be an area of concern for the Senators, and the
Penguins sorely miss injured blueliners Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney.
Gerber allowed in two softies, both off the stick of
Penguins forward Tyler Kennedy which opened and closed the game’s scoring, and
at times seems rattled.
The absence of Gonchar and Whitney forced the Penguins to press younger and lesser
skilled blueliners into action and their
inexperience showed.
Still, one game does not an 82-game regular season make, so
there’s plenty of time for all four teams to address their weaknesses.
This August has been a much quieter time for real NHL news
than in recent ones post-lockout, and for good reason: most NHL reporters were
either on vacation or covering the recent Summer Olympics in Beijing, while most
NHL general managers and their staff were vacationing or off on scouting
missions.
Of course idle hands are the devil’s work and some folks
(none of them accredited hockey reporters, by the way) have been busy filling
hockey cyberspace with lots of unsubstantiated trade and free agent rumors.
So since there isn’t really very much real hockey news to
comment on, here’s a look at some of the latest internet rumors going on:
- Washington Capitals forward Michael Nylander put his house
up for sale and could be traded to Vancouver.
Nylander has put his house up for sale, which can be a legitimate tip-off of an imminent move, but according to the
Washington Post that’s because he and his family are moving into a smaller one.
Nylander has a movement clause and isn’t planning on waiving it, nor have the
Capitals asked him to.
-The Montreal Canadiens are pursuing Chicago Blackhawks
center Robert Lang.
Canadiens GM Bob Gainey admits he has a “plan B” in place
should Mats Sundin opt to sign elsewhere, but it remains to be seen if that’s
pursuing another center or sticking with his current roster. The Lang rumor was
erroneously attributed to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, who’s been on vacation for much
of this summer.
-The Canadiens are interested in Toronto’s Bryan McCabe to
replace the offense lost when Mark Streit signed with the Islanders.
No, they’re not. Folks conveniently forget that the
Canadiens still have Andrei Markov and Roman Hamrlik on the point, and they’re certainly
not going to take on McCabe’s bloated $5.75 million per season salary.
-The Florida Panthers will trade Jay Bouwmeester before the
start of the upcoming season.
No, they won’t. Bouwmeester is on a one-year contract and in
all likelihood won’t be returning with the Panthers after this season but as
long as GM Jacques Martin believes he has a chance to convince Bouwmeester to
remain he won’t move the blueliner. If “Jay-Bo” is traded it’ll be in January
at the earliest, most likely by the February trade deadline.
-The Minnesota Wild are shopping or will shop Marian Gaborik
before the start of the season.
Same situation as Bouwmeester, although judging by recent
reports out of Minnesota it appears there’s a willingness on both the Wild and
the Gaborik camp to get a deal done.
-The NY Rangers will trade Scott Gomez to make room for Mats
Sundin.
Sorry, folks, but I just don’t see that happening. It makes
no sense to trade a 28-year-old playmaker entering the prime of his career and
in the midst of a long-term contract for a 37-year-old center who, as great as
he is, might only commit to one or two years of hockey. If Rangers GM Glen Sather does this, he has no
right being an NHL general manager.
-The Rangers will trade Gomez to Minnesota for Gaborik.
We’ve hit the dog days of the NHL off-season and while some
folks are doing their best to keep the rumor mill churning the fact of the
matter is there’s a whole lotta nothin’ goin’ on.
The cream of his summer’s rather thin UFA crop have been
long signed and the lack of qualify RFA talent resulted in no blizzard of offer
sheets. The arbitration period ended
quietly, and most general managers are now on much-needed vacations.
So here’s a quick look at the few remaining UFAs of note and
what their current status is.
Mats Sundin – In Sweden contemplating retirement.
Joe Sakic – Contemplating retirement.
Peter Forsberg – skating in practices in Sweden rehabbing his
troublesome right foot; a decision on a possible return currently isn’t
expected until early December.
Brendan Shanahan – interested in re-signing with the NY
Rangers, willing to consider other offers should the Blueshirts pass,
definitely wants to play one more season.
Teemu Selanne – believed willing to return with the Anaheim
Ducks and could merely be awaiting the Ducks freeing up the appropriate cap
space for his new contract.
Glen Murray – after being bought out by the Boston Bruins
has been contacted by the Nashville Predators.
Mark Parrish – after being bought out by the Minnesota Wild
has like Murray been contacted by the Predators.
Ladislav Nagy – the forgotten star of the UFA market. Not a
peep has been heard from the Nagy camp since the summer began. His recovery
from a season-ending neck injury might be the reason.
Bret Hedican – has moved with his family to Northern
California and apparently would consider playing only for California-based
teams.
Martin Gelinas – hoped to return with the Predators but a
recent report out of Nashville claims that’s now a long shot.
Patrice Brisebois – In late July a report out of Montreal claimed
he was close to re-signing with the Canadiens but nothing more has been heard.
Bryan Berard, Bryan Smolinski, Jassen Cullimore, Marek
Malik, Yanic Perreault, Keith Carney, Luke Richardson, Geoff Sanderson, Aaron
Miller – No reports currently linking them with NHL teams.
Over three weeks after the NHL UFA market opened on July 1st, there ain’t much left in the store for shoppers to choose from.
This summer’s UFA talent pool was already a thin one given that much of the best talent was re-signed to new contracts, in some cases (hello there, Joe Thornton and Jarome Iginla) a full year before their UFA eligibility date.
Globe and Mail blogger James Mirtle’s been keeping an updated list of the best available talent at each position and as you can see the pickings are slim indeed.
The best available forward remains Mats Sundin, who’s as valuable now as he was on July 1st, but the market is apparently limited to three Canadian teams – Montreal, Vancouver and of course his old stamping grounds in Toronto.
His agent claims Sundin will decide by August 1st if he’ll retire (unlikely) or return to action and if so which club he’ll choose, which should mercifully bring to an end the constant media speculation over his plans.
After Sundin, the depth drops dramatically.
Brendan Shanahan is still available, but apparently only talking with the Rangers, who’ll be hard pressed to find cap space for him unless he accepts a considerable pay cut or they move someone out (Petr Prucha, perhaps?) to free up the extra cap space.
Joe Sakic is available but nobody’s bidding on him because it’s understand that, if he does decide to return for another season, it’ll be with the Colorado Avalanche, period. Thus far Sakic has yet to make up his mind.
Teemu Selanne is still but despite some internet chatter of his signing with Montreal to play with old buddy Saku Koivu (and how many years has THAT old chestnut been flying around? Ten??) it’s Anaheim or retirement for Selanne.
Peter Forsberg’s still available but he’s sidelined until December rehabbing his problematic right foot and is likely facing retirement if it fails to improve things.
Looking at Mirtle’s list perhaps the best available forward is Ladislav Nagy, who was nearly on a point-per-game clip with the LA Kings until he was sidelined for the season with a neck injury.
Nagy doesn’t have the best playoff rep but for a team seeking a playmaking forward he could be just the ticket provided he’s made a full recovery from injury, and might not cost as much as the $3.75 million he earned last season.
If it’s experience and leadership on your checking lines, Martin Lapointe, Stephane Yelle, Martin Gelinas and Bryan Smolinski could be yours for reasonable prices.
The depth on defense isn’t much better.
Teppo Numminen is still available but is reportedly close to re-signing with the Buffalo Sabres. If his heart condition which sidelined him for all of last season doesn’t hamper him again he could be a good addition to the Sabres blueline.
Marek Malik, much-maligned by the Rangers faithful the past two years but still a YouTube star for his shootout trick shot goal over Washington three years ago, is also there and perhaps playing in a less demanding city might be just the tonic he needs to rebound. In goal, there’s Jocelyn Thibault, JS Aubin and nothing else.
So check out Mirtle’s listing, gang, and let me know who else on it you think might be a good addition to your team.
That’s the big question amongst hockey fans, pundits and
bloggers heading into the dog days of summer.
With former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin the only
big fish remaining in a rapidly drying up UFA pond, the question of “What Will
Sundin Do?” is starting to dominate the off-season NHL news just as the
uncertainty over the future plans of fellow Swedish star Peter Forsberg did
last summer.
Unlike Forsberg, dogged by uncertainty over the
status of his surgically repaired right foot (which continues to hamper him to
this day and could result in his retirement), Sundin proved last season that at
37 he’s still physically and mentally capable to be among the top forwards in
the NHL.
Little wonder then that at one point five teams – the Maple
Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers and Detroit Red
Wings – were considered the leading bidders for his services when this summer’s
unrestricted free agent market opened on July 1st.
Sundin still has the ability to make a bad team good, a good
team very good and a very good team a Cup contender.
He’s also someone who, at this point in his long career, isn’t
going to be rushed or pushed into making a decision about his future.
Some critics have unjustly taken Sundin to task, stupidly
suggesting that he’s “stringing those teams along”, that he should make a
decision quickly and in the meantime apologize to the clubs bidding for
his services for his foot-dragging.
Last time I checked, Sundin is what’s called an “unrestricted
free agent”, meaning he doesn’t owe any team an explanation, an apology or any damn thing. He owes it to
himself to make the right decision for his future and if he wants to take the
entire summer to think about his future plans that’s his right as an
unrestricted free agent, a right he's more than earned.
If teams like the Red Wings and Rangers decide they don’t
want to wait for Sundin and opt instead to spend their available cap space on
other players, that’s their business, not his.
Sure, it narrows the number of potential destinations for Sundin, but
he’s been around long enough to know what the consequences could be for his
actions. If he were that concerned about it, he would’ve signed with a team by
now.
Quite frankly, as more than one scribe has suggested, we
don’t even know if Sundin wants to play next season or not. He could decide
after seventeen seasons that he just doesn’t want to put himself through the
punishment anymore.
Retirement is a possibility, but the consensus of observers
suggests he could be back for at least one or two more seasons.
Right now only three teams – the Vancouver Canucks, Montreal
Canadiens and the Maple Leafs – appear to be in the running for his services.
The Canucks are in a bit of a rebuilding mode with a new
general manager in Mike Gillis and a need to bolster their offensive production as that was a significant contributing factor (along with injuries to their
blueline corps and personal distractions for goalie Roberto Luongo) to their
missing the playoffs last season.
With a focused Luongo and a healthier blueline the Canucks
should make the playoffs but if they’re to be more than a marginal playoff team
they need a scoring star like Sundin.
What makes them attractive is they’ve placed the
biggest bid on the table (two years, $20 million), fellow countrymen
Mattias Ohlund and the Sedin Twins would be his teammates and the 2010 Winter
Olympics are being held there, where Sundin could be captaining the defending
Olympic champion Swedish team.
Of these three teams the Canadiens could be Sundin’s best
opportunity to play for a Stanley Cup contender.
The Habs made
significant improvement last season, finishing first overall in the Eastern
Conference for the first time in 19 years. They’re deep in rising young talent,
and Sundin’s potential linemates would be experienced offensive forwards Alex
Kovalev and Alex Tanguay.
But the Canadiens probably won’t offer more than $8 million
per season at best, and it’s also possible Sundin might not be comfortable
suiting up for the Habs after spending his entire NHL career playing for two of
their arch-rivals in Quebec City and Toronto.
Then there's the Maple Leafs, who also couldn’t out-bid the
Canucks and don’t have the enticement of Cup contention like the Canadiens but
do have familiarity on their side, given that Sundin played most of his NHL
career as a Leaf.
Leafs management have said they’d bring him back, even with
a movement clause, but it’s also possible there could be some bruised feelings after the club tried to pressure him to waive his movement clause last
February.
So what will Sundin do?
Your guess is as good as mine, but don’t be surprised if we’re
still asking that question by the end of August.
With the NHL season almost over, here’s a look at how the top free agents of 2007 (based on salaries of $5 million or more per season) have fared in the first season of their current contracts.
Oh, and for those nitpickers wondering why I’m doing this now (and my review of my season preview last Friday) given the handful of games remaining, it’s because I’m preparing to cover the upcoming playoffs and won’t have the time to do this at season’s end.
Anyway, stats are as of March 31, 2008,along with their projections in November 2007 and January 2008. The regular season ends on April 6, 2008. I’ll leave it up to you, the readers, to decide if they’re worth the money they’re getting.
Enjoy!
Daniel Briere, Philadelphia Flyers - 2007-08 salary: $10 million. Salary cap hit: $6.5 million.
November 2007: on pace for: 41 goals, 61 assists, 102 points. January 2008: on pace for: 32 goals, 49 assists, 89 points. March 31, 2008: 78 GP, 31 goals, 40 assists, 71 points, -23
Scott Gomez, New York Rangers – 2007-08 salary: $10 million. Salary cap hit: $7.357 million.
November 2007: on pace for: 14 goals, 44 assists, 58 points. January 2008: on pace for: 18 goals, 57 assists, 75 points. March 31, 2008: 77 GP, 16 goals, 53 assists, 69 points, +5.
Thomas Vanek, Buffalo Sabres – 2007-08 salary: $10 million. Salary cap hit: $7.143 million.
November 2007: on pace for: 21 goals, 36 assists, 57 points. January 2008: on pace for: 23 goals, 25 assists, 48 points. March 31, 2008: 79 GP, 32 goals, 28 assists, 60 points, -5
Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia Flyers – 2007-08 salary: $8 million. Salary cap hit: $6.33 million.
November 2007: on pace for: 10 goals, 38 assists, 48 points. -14 January 2008: on pace for: 12 goals, 33 assists, 45 points. –2 March 31, 2008: 77 GP, 8 goals, 36 assists, 44 points, -3
Ryan Smyth, Colorado Avalanche: - 2007-08 salary: $7.5 million. Salary cap hit: $6.25 million.
November 2007: on pace for: 21 goals, 28 assists, 50 points. January 2008: on pace for: 22 goals, 34 assists, 56 points (sidelined until late-February) March 31, 2008: 53 GP, 14 goals, 23 assists, 37 points, -3
Chris Drury, New York Rangers – 2007-08 salary: $7.1 million. Salary cap hit: $7.05 million.
November 2007: on pace for: 17 goals, 34 assists, 51 points –3. January 2008: on pace for: 21 goals, 34 assists, 55 points, -21 March 31, 2008: 78 GP, 23 goals, 31 assists, 54 points, -4
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings: 2007-08 salary: $6.7 million. Salary cap hit. $6.7 million.
November 2007: on pace for: 24 goals, 65 assists, 89 points, +38. January 2008: on pace for: 30 goals, 66 assists, 96 points, +47 March 31, 2008: 79 GP, 31 goals, 53 assists, 94 points, +41.
November 2007: on pace for: 26-20-7, 2.50 GAA, .906 SP. January 2008: on pace for: 34-19-7, 2.33 GAA, .915 SP March 31, 2008: 34-17-6, 2.10 GAA, .923 SP
November 2007: on pace for: 12 goals, 43 assists, 55 points, +18 in 67 games. January 2008: on pace for: 10 goals, 28 assists, 38 points, +22 in 67 games. March 31, 2008: 63 GP, 12 goals, 27 assists, 39 points, +20.
Roman Hamrlik, Montreal Canadiens – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit: $5.5 million.
November 2007:on pace for: 7 goals, 31 assists, 38 points. +24. January 2008: on pace for: 5 goals, 27 assists, 32 points, +11 March 31, 2008: 74 GP, 5 goals, 20 assistss, 25 points, +7
Michael Nylander, Washington Capitals – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit: $4.875 million.
November 2007: on pace for: 20 goals, 52 assists, 72 points, -43 January 2008: sidelined for the season, was on pace for 21 goals, 50 assists, 71 points.
Mats Sundin, Toronto Maple Leafs – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit: $5.5 million.
November 2007: on pace for: 39 goals, 59 assists, 98 points, +23. January 2008: on pace for: 36 goals, 53 assists, 89 points, +20. March 31, 2008: 74 GP, 32 goals, 46 assists, 78 points, +17.
Scott Hartnell, Philadelphia Flyers – 2007-08 salary: $5.2 million. Salary cap hit: $4.2 million
November 2007: on pace for: 11 goals, 18 assists, 29 points, +7. January 2008: on pace for: 21 goals, 21 assists, 42 points, 0 March 31, 2008: 77 GP, 23 goals, 18 assists, 41 points.
Two days before the NHL's February 26th trade deadline, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin has told Leafs management he will not waive his "no-movement" clause to facilitate a trade.
As per TSN's website, Sundin issued the following statement:
"I have carefully considered the team's
request that I waive my no-trade clause," Sundin said in a statement.
"I have always believed I would finish my career as a Toronto Maple
Leaf so the actual request was still a very difficult one for me to
contemplate."
"I have spoken to and listened to my family and those closest to me
about this issue. In the end, there is no right decision in a situation
like this one."
"I cannot leave my teammates and join another NHL Club at this time.
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."
In an era when professional athletes often appear to be like mercenaries, bouncing from team to team in search of the best contract or the best team with which to win a championship, Sundin has decided he cannot in good conscience leave the team and the city where he's played 13 of his 17 NHL seasons.
I believe he's to be commended for his loyalty to the Leafs and the city of Toronto, but I'm sure there'll be a considerable number of Toronto pundits and Maple Leafs fans who'll feel otherwise.
Regardless, the biggest name believed available in the NHL trade market heading into the trade deadline is definitively off the block, and it remains to be seen what impact it will have in the remaining hours leading to Tuesday's 3 PM ET deadline.
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.
It took weeks for the Toronto Maple Leafs ownership to finally fire general manager John Ferguson Jr but they finally took that step on January 22, 2008.
There’s no need to go over Ferguson’s record as the Leafs GM, as the Toronto media has that more than covered. What’s more important here is where the Leafs go from here.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are the NHL’s richest franchise, worth more than even the New York Rangers, yet since the lockout they’ve been one of the NHL’s weakest teams.
Of course the Leafs don’t have to worry about losing fan support in Toronto, southern Ontario and throughout Canada.
Whenever the “r” word – rebuilding – has been mentioned with the Leafs it’s been suggested their fans won’t wait for a winner, but that’s foolishness, given the club hasn’t won a Stanley Cup – hasn’t even been in a Cup final – since 1967.
No, Leafs fans are used to waiting, and they’ll wait again while the new full time general manager takes over and hopefully begins the “r” word process.
For now Cliff Fletcher, who was GM of the Leafs from 1991 to 1997, takes over on an interim basis. By the sound of things at the press conference announcing his hiring he’ll be making the big decisions at this year’s trade deadline, entry draft and the club’s potential pursuit of unrestricted free agents.
Whoever takes over the role full-time will have their hands full.
For starters, the Leafs have committed over $42 million committed to 19 players for next season. With the salary cap expected to rise to around $54 million for next season, that only leaves $10 million (assuming they leave themselves a $2 million cap cushion), which isn’t really much room.
The only expensive free agent the Leafs might re-sign is Sundin regardless of whether or not he waives his NTC, but re-signing him could cost almost as much as the $5.75 million he earned this season, perhaps more.
The only other free agents of note are UFA enforcer Wade Belak and restricted free agents Alexander Steen, Matt Stajan and Kyle Wellwood, but given the slow development of the latter three it’s doubtful any of them will get offers worth more than $2 million per, if that.
But if Sundin is re-signed, or if another big name UFA is signed, that won’t leave much space to re-sign those youngsters.
Cap space could be made available by trading some players, but unfortunately many of those eating up considerable cap space on the Leafs roster (Sundin, Tucker, McCabe, Kaberle and Kubina) have “no-trade” clauses and little willingness to waive them.
Kaberle’s clause has a loophole whereby the club can trade him this summer without his consent if the Leafs fail to make the playoffs, while Kubina has one that limits the Leafs by only allowing them to trade him to pre-specified teams.
Even if the Leafs could convince those players to waive their clauses, their expensive, long-term contracts make them almost impossible to move during the season.
It’s only a little less difficult to shop during the off-season, when they’d only have a window of a few weeks in July when teams have more available cap space.
Perhaps one of those players will be moved between now and the start of next season, but given the aforementioned factors Leafs fans shouldn’t hold their breath. Most if not all (except perhaps Sundin) could be back next season.
Jason Blake has popped up in trade rumors, but he’s got another four years remaining at $4 million per, is having his worst season in six years and is battling leukemia. Those factors don’t make Blake enticing to rival GMs.
Forget the talk of trading Andrew Raycroft; nobody wants a $2 million goalie whose confidence is shot, not even in a backup capacity.
Buyouts are a possibility, but those are at two-thirds the remaining value spread over twice the original tenure of the contract. That’s why you don’t see too many of those nowadays.
Even if a salary dumping trade or two were possible, it’s the return of young players, prospects and/or draft picks that’ll be most important and what the new Leafs GM does with them.
The Leafs are a team that haven’t drafted very well over the last dozen years or so, and those few blue-chippers they do draft often ended up traded away for veterans in quick-fix deals. Ferguson wasn’t the only one to blame for that, as his predecessors – including Fletcher – were also guilty of shortsightedness.
Fletcher said the Leafs had to improve its drafting and development if the club has any hope of making significant improvement in the future. Easy to say but hard to do, and it requires a seasoned hand to carry that off.
It appears the Leafs hierarchy will be looking for someone with NHL experience (and preferably a Stanley Cup on their resume) to become the eventual full-time general manager, which see,s essential for this club if it is to improve its draft record.
But who could take over? The names of Anaheim’s Brian Burke, Detroit’s Ken Holland, Carolina’s Jim Rutherford, New Jersey’s Lou Lamoriello and Montreal’s Bob Gainey have been floated as potential candidates by the Toronto media, but hiring any of those guys could be wishful thinking.
Most are currently on contracts with their respective teams that stretch into next season and some beyond that. Besides, Holland is a Red Wing for life, Lamoreillo isn’t leaving the Devils, Gainey appears determined to rebuild the Canadiens, Burke just won a Stanley Cup in Anaheim and appears happy there, and Rutherford refuses to discuss leaving the Hurricanes.
As for Scotty Bowman, the Leafs ownership had their chance to hire him as team president last summer but blew it when they wouldn’t allow him autonomy to run the club his way.
Current head coach Paul Maurice will finish the season but it’s doubtful he’ll be returning next year. The new GM will have to find a head coach that can work well both with veterans and young players alike, which can be no easy feat in today’s NHL, even tougher in one of hockey’s most demanding markets.
Finally, whoever becomes the new Leafs GM has to be able to handle the heat of the spotlight of working in one of the NHL’s most demanding markets. Fans and media heavily scrutinize every word and action and are quick to find fault if things don’t work out quickly.
In the end, Leafs fans shouldn’t fool themselves into thinking that firing Ferguson and hiring Fletcher will magically turn everything around. This is merely one step in a long journey that could take years.
But of course, Leafs fans have been waiting for over four decades for a Stanley Cup champion, so waiting a few more years shouldn’t be that tough.
With the NHL’s trade deadline fast approaching here’s my take on some players thought to be possible trade bait and who might be on the move by February 26th:
Mats Sundin: As long as the Toronto Maple Leafs have a shot at a playoff berth, he won’t waive his “no-trade” clause.
Marian Hossa: The Atlanta Thrashers are trying to re-sign him leading to speculation that if he’s not re-signed by the deadline he’ll be shopped. If the Thrashers are still in the playoff chase I suspect GM Don Waddell won’t move him, but if not, he could indeed hit the trade block.
Alex Tanguay: His name’s popped up this past week due to media concerns about the Calgary Flames off-season cap issues, but he’s denied seeking a trade or being asked to waive his NTC. I suspect Flames GM Darryl Sutter could retain him for the upcoming playoffs and perhaps consider shopping him in the off-season.
Olli Jokinen: Ever notice that it’s Canadian-based media outlets that often report the Florida Panthers captain could be traded? Ever notice that to date they’ve yet to be right?
Rob Blake: He says he hasn’t agreed to waive his NTC or asked to waive it, but the possibility exists that this LA Kings blueliner could be playing elsewhere by February 26th.
Jaromir Jagr: If the NY Rangers were to shop him I have my doubts there’d be many takers given his low production this season and his reputation for moodiness.
Patrick Marleau: A fixture in the rumor mill since last April, his below-average stats and the expensive ($12.6 million) two year contract (with a no-trade clause) beginning next season should keep him in the Shark tank.
Dan Boyle and Vaclav Prospal: Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster suggested that if the club fails to make a playoff push he could be forced into making some cost-cutting moves, leading to speculation impending UFAs Boyle and Prospal could be part of those moves.
Brian Campbell: He’s postponed his contract talks with the Buffalo Sabres until the off-season. That’s led to trade speculation that Sabres GM Darcy Regier rejected, claiming he hopes to re-sign Campbell. I believe him.
Maxim Afinogenov and Dmitri Kalinin: The former has struggled offensively this season and the latter’s eligible for UFA status this summer. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the Sabres trying to move either guy by the deadline.
J.P. Dumont: The Nashville Predators might not have enough money available this summer to re-sign him and if they’re out of the playoff race in a month’s time could consider shopping Dumont.
Michael Ryder: The Montreal Canadiens aren’t expected to re-sign him after this season and could try to move him in the coming weeks. His sub-par production this season however could hurt his trade value.
Nikolai Khabibulin: I wouldn’t doubt Chicago Blackhawks management would love to dump the remaining year and $6.75 million on his contract, but that and his poor performance this season won’t make him enticing to anyone at this year’s deadline.
Yanic Perreault: The Chicago Blackhawks could try to peddle this faceoff specialist to a Stanley Cup contender.
#### Tarnstrom: He’s been considered the odd man out on the Edmonton Oilers blueline, and with some teams seeking a veteran puck-moving defenceman Tarnstrom could attract some attention leading up to the deadline.
Keith Carney: This blueline veteran was a frequent scratch in the first half of this season, and he could end up shopped by the Minnesota Wild in the coming weeks.
Christian Backman: Plenty of speculation the St. Louis Blues could shop a defenceman for depth elsewhere in the roster, and Backman’s name has been floated as part of those rumors.
Bear in mind, folks, that this is only a quick observation of who might or might not be dealt. There are likely to be players that no one suspected as trade bait who could be traded by February 26th, and that most of the above-mentioned players could end up staying with their respective teams.
Feel free to chip in with names you think might be on the move by the deadline. It'll be interesting to review this list and your takes after February 26th.
Back in November I took a look at how the most expensive players of the NHL's Free Agent Class of 2007 were faring at the 20 game point of the season.
Now that we've recently passed the mid-season point of the 2007-08 NHL campaign, here's a look at how they're faring now:
Daniel Briere, Philadelphia Flyers - 2007-08 salary: $10 million. Salary cap hit: $6.5 million.
Previously on pace for: 41 goals, 61 assists, 102 points. Currently on pace for: 32 goals, 49 assists, 89 points.
Scott Gomez, New York Rangers – 2007-08 salary: $10 million. Salary cap hit: $7.357 million.
Previously on pace for: 14 goals, 44 assists, 58 points. Currently on pace for: 18 goals, 57 assists, 75 points.
Thomas Vanek, Buffalo Sabres – 2007-08 salary: $10 million. Salary cap hit: $7.143 million.
Previously on pace for: 21 goals, 36 assists, 57 points. Currently on pace for: 23 goals, 25 assists, 48 points.
Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia Flyers – 2007-08 salary: $8 million. Salary cap hit: $6.33 million.
Previously on pace for: 10 goals, 38 assists, 48 points. -14 Currently on pace for : 12 goas, 33 assists, 45 points. -2
Ryan Smyth, Colorado Avalanche: - 2007-08 salary: $7.5 million. Salary cap hit: $6.25 million.
Previously on pace for: 21 goals, 28 assists, 50 points. Currently on pace for : 22 goals, 34 assists, 56 points (Currently injured & sidelined until late-February)
Chris Drury, New York Rangers – 2007-08 salary: $7.1 million. Salary cap hit: $7.05 million.
Previously on pace for: 17 goals, 34 assists, 51 points –3. Currently on pace for : 21 goals, 34 assists, 55 points, -21
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings: 2007-08 salary: $6.7 million. Salary cap hit. $6.7 million.
Previously on pace for: 24 goals, 65 assists, 89 points, +38. Currently on pace for: 30 goals, 66 assists, 96 points, +47
Previously on pace for: 12 goals, 43 assists, 55 points, +18 in 67 games. Currently on pace for: 10 goals, 28 assists, 38 points, +22 in 67 games.
Roman Hamrlik, Montreal Canadiens – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit: $5.5 million.
Previously on pace for: 7 goals, 31 assists, 38 points. +24. Currently on pace for: 5 goals, 27 assists, 32 points, +11
Michael Nylander, Washington Capitals – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit: $4.875 million.
Previously on pace for: 20 goals, 52 assists, 72 points, -43 Currently on pace for : sidelined indefinitely, was on pace for 21 goals, 50 assists, 71 points.
Mats Sundin, Toronto Maple Leafs – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit: $5.5 million.
Previously on pace for: 39 goals, 59 assists, 98 points, +23. Currently on pace for: 36 goals, 53 assists, 89 points, +20.
Scott Hartnell, Philadelphia Flyers – 2007-08 salary: $5.2 million. Salary cap hit: $4.2 million
Previously on pace for: 11 goals, 18 assists, 29 points, +7. Currently on pace for : 21 goals, 21 assists, 42 points, +16
It’s now well past the quarter mark of the NHL season, and time enough I think for a look at how this past summer’s top UFA players are faring thus far.
This analysis will cover those players earning $5 million or more for this season. The salary information courtesy of nhlnumbers.com. All statistics as of November 29th, 2007, and the “on pace for” stats courtesy of TSN.ca.
Daniel Briere, Philadelphia Flyers - 2007-08 salary: $10 million. Salary cap hit: $6.5 million. Stats: 12 goals, 18 assists, 30 points, -4. Tied for team scoring lead with Mike Richards. 8th overall in league scoring. On pace for: 41 goals, 61 assists, 102 points.
Analysis: If Briere can reach over 40 goals and 100 points as projected and remain among the team and league scoring leaders he’ll have been worth every penny to the Flyers, at least for this season. It remains to be seen over the following seven years if he’ll continue to be worth the annual cap hit.
Scott Gomez, New York Rangers – 2007-08 salary: $10 million. Salary cap hit: $7.357 million. Stats: 4 goals, 13 assists, 27 points, plus-minus of 0. Currently second-highest in team points race behind Jaromir Jagr. On pace for: 14 goals, 44 assists, 58 points.
Analysis: I was sure Gomez would flourish if allowed to play on a more offensive team, but this year’s Rangers are emulating the defensive styling of his former team, the New Jersey Devils, and his stats are suffering accordingly. Gomez is a good player but at this point, he’s grossly overpaid.
Thomas Vanek, Buffalo Sabres – 2007-08 salary: $10 million. Salary cap hit: $7.143 million. Stats: 6 goals, 10 assists, 16 points, -2. Third highest points this season amongst Sabres. On pace for: 21 goals, 36 assists, 57 points.
Analysis: The Sabres were forced last summer into matching the Edmonton Oilers’ offer sheet to retain Vanek’s services. Thus far, it’s not money well spent, but it must be remembered that Vanek is still young (23) and is likely feeling the pressure from earning as much as he presently does. As he matures and regains his high-scoring form he should be worth it, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a Sabres fan that believes it right now.
Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia Flyers – 2007-08 salary: $8 million. Salary cap hit: $6.33 million. Stats: 3 goals, 11 assists, 14 points. –4. Flyers fifth-leading scorer, 13th amongst NHL defencemen in points. On pace for: 10 goals, 38 assists, 48 points. –14.
Analysis: Acquired by the Flyers from Nashville last June along with Scott Hartnell and re-signed. Timonen’s a good defenseman and what he’s on pace for in points is around what he’s been averaging since 2001-02. Is he worth $8 million this season or $6.33 million per season? No. Not when you consider that this season he’s earning more than great defencemen like Nicklas Lidstrom and Chris Pronger.
Ryan Smyth, Colorado Avalanche: - 2007-08 salary: $7.5 million. Salary cap hit: $6.25 million. Stats: 6 goals, 8 assists, 14 points. –8. Sixth leading point-getter for the Avs this season. On pace for: 21 goals, 28 assists, 50 points, -28.
Analysis: Smyth’s offensive production is on pace for his lowest totals since his injury-shortened performance in 2001-02. He does bring intangibles such as leadership, character and physicality, but that doesn't mean he should be earning more this season than Vincent Lecavalier and Jarome Iginla.
Chris Drury, New York Rangers – 2007-08 salary: $7.1 million. Salary cap hit: $7.05 million. Stats: 5 goals, 10 assists, 15 points. –1. Rangers fourth-leading scorer. On pace for: 17 goals, 34 assists, 51 points –3.
Analysis: Like Smyth, Drury brings many intangibles to his game and like Smyth he’s on pace for his lowest points productions since 2001-02. And like Smyth, he’s earning far more than his worth.
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings: 2007-08 salary: $6.7 million. Salary cap hit. $6.7 million. Stats: 7 goals, 19 assists, 26 points +11. Red Wings second-leading scorer. On pace for: 24 goals, 65 assists, 89 points, +38.
Analysis: The Wings re-signed Datsyuk in April, avoiding the summer rush, and thus far haven’t been disappointed in their investment. He and Henrik Zetterberg are two main reasons why the Red Wings remain among the league’s elite teams. I’d say he’s making fair market value.
Sheldon Souray, Edmonton Oilers: 2007-08 salary: $6.25 million. Salary cap hit: $5.4 million. Stats: 6 games play, two points. Sidelined by separated shoulder since October 17th. Return date unknown.
Analysis: The Oilers ponied up big bucks for the hard-shooting Souray to be their number one defenceman and anchor their power play. It remains to be seen if he’ll recapture the high-scoring form he had last season with the Montreal Canadiens and their high-scoring powerplay, and since he’s currently injured I cannot make an accurate assessment of his performance this season.
Paul Kariya, St. Louis Blues – 2007-08 salary: $6 million. Salary cap hit: $6 million. Stats: 7 goals, 17 assists 24 points, +4. Leads the Blues in points. On pace for: 26 goals, 63 assists, 89 points +15.
Analysis: One reason the Blues are such an improved team this season is the addition of Kariya, who provided some much-needed offensive punch. If he should reach 89 points it’ll be his highest single-season points production in nearly ten years. He still has to prove his worth as a postseason performer but players get paid for their regular season performances, and thus far Kariya’s earned his pay.
Brian Rafalski, Detroit Red Wings – 2007-08 salary: $6 million. Salary cap hit: $6 million. Stats: 3 goals, 17 assists, 20 points, +7. Fifth in teams points, and fourth in league poinnts lead for defencemen. On pace for: 10 goals, 58 assists, 68 points, +24
Analysis: If there’s one player the New Jersey Devils miss most this season, it’s Rafalski, who’s now become a key member of the Red Wings blueline corps. True, he’s once again playing in the shadow o####reat defenseman - this time Lidstrom - but Rafalski is one of the league’s top blueliners and worthy of his salary this season.
Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens – 2007-08 salary: $5.75 million. Salary cap hit: $5.75 million. Stats: 6 goals, 13 assists, 19 points –6. Canadiens third leading scorer, fifth amongst league defencemen. On pace for: 20 goals, 44 assists, 65 points, -20.
Analysis: Sheldon who? That’s what Canadiens fans are saying as Markov has finally stepped out of the shadows and into his own as one of the league’s best all-round defencemen. Don’t be fooled by the minus stat, as he’s been consistently on the plus side of the ledger most of his NHL career and could finish on the happy side of the ledger by season's end. Some critics scoffed at the Habs re-signing him for that much, but he’s obviously worth it.
J-S Giguere, Anaheim Ducks – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit: $6 million. Stats: 8-6-2, 2.50 GAA, .906 SP. On pace for: 26-20-7, 2.50 GAA, .906 SP.
Analysis: Giguere’s had a slow start thus far, missing pre-season and the start of this season recovering from off-season sport hernia surgery. Still, he’s been rounding back into form as he gets healthier, and when healthy he’s proven to be among the game’s top goalies, as well as perhaps among the most under-rated despite his impressive resume.
Mathieu Schneider, Anaheim Ducks – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit. $5.625 millon. Stats: 2 goals, 7 assists, 9 points, +3 in only 11 games played On pace for: 12 goals, 43 assists, 55 points, +18 in 67 games.
Analysis: When healthy the 38-year-old Schneider appears to be a good addition to the Ducks defence corps, but this season the problem has been his health, as he’s already missed half of the Ducks games thus far this season to injury. Still, if he can finally shake off that injury bug he could prove well worth his salary, although he won’t make Ducks fans forget Scott Niedermayer.
Roman Hamrlik, Montreal Canadiens – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit: $5.5 million. Stats: 2 goals, 9 assists, 11 points, +7. On pace for: 7 goals, 31 assists, 38 points. +24.
Analysis: Eyebrows were raised when the Canadiens paid so much for Hamrlik, but he’s one of those all-round blueliners whose worth is more than just point production. The Habs did pay a bit too much for his services, but he wanted to play in Montreal, and his overall skills and experience have proven invaluable to the Canadiens this season. Right now, I doubt Habs fans are complaining.
Michael Nylander, Washington Capitals – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit: $4.875 million. Stats: 6 goals, 16 assists, 22 points, -13, currently second in Capitals scoring. On pace for: 20 goals, 52 assists, 72 points, -43
Analysis: At this pace Nylander appears on his way to similar numbers he posted with the Rangers, although he’ll have to pick up his performance to get close to last season’s 89 points. Still, if he can keep this up he’ll be well worth his salary as one of the few bright spots for the Capitals this season.
Mats Sundin, Toronto Maple Leafs – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit: $5.5 million. Stats: 12 goals, 18 assists, 30 points, +7. Leads the Leafs in scoring and is 8th in the league in points. On pace for: 39 goals, 59 assists, 98 points, +23.
Analysis: Re-signed by the Leafs last summer. Leafs fans and media can find plenty to complain about this season but the one thing they all agree on is Sundin thus far is on his way toward his second-best season in his career. He’s certainly earned his salary thus far, but some critics are stumping for the Leafs to move him now while his value is high rather than risk a potential late-season drop-off in production that could affect a return. Problem is, Sundin has a “no-trade” clause and has not stated a willingness to waive it.
Scott Hartnell, Philadelphia Flyers – 2007-08 salary: $5.2 million. Salary cap hit: $4.2 million Stats: 3 goals, 5 assists, 8 points, +2 On pace for: 11 goals, 18 assists, 29 points, +7.
Analysis: Acquired by the Flyers from the Predators along with Kimmo Timonen and re-signed. Thus far the only thing Hartnell’s been notable for is delivering a questionable hit recently on a Boston Bruins defenseman. True, he’s only 25 and the Flyers paid for potential based on his two 20+goal seasons in Nashville, but so far he’s yet to play up to that potential and earn those big bucks. The Flyers are on the hook for five more seasons after this one at an average cap hit of $4.2 million, so they’ll be counting on him to reach that potential over that time.
Chris Gratton is returning to the Tampa Bay Lightning for the third time in his career.
The Lightning acquired Gratton on Wednesday from the Florida Panthers in exchange for an optional second round pick in 2007 or 2008 (Florida’s choice).
TSN.ca reported Lightning GM Jay Feaster said he saw Gratton as “the ideal third-line center for our hockey club”, adding he’d pursued the big center for some time, even trying to land him at the trade deadline in February.
Gratton began his career with the Bolts, having been drafted third overall by them in 1993, and has bounced amongst the Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers, back to the Lightning, to the Buffalo Sabres, Phoenix Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers.
Gratton’s salary is an affordable $1.5 million, and as Feaster suggests he’ll be a good fit on the Lightning’s third line, but his salary nudges the Bolts payroll to almost $36 million, and the team still has 9 more players to sign to fill their roster for next season.
Ownership has suggested the Lightning’s payroll might be higher than last season’s $42.5 million, but even if it were to go up to $46 million, that might still be a bit of a cap crimp for the Bolts, and might fuel speculation that the Lightning aren’t done dealing this off-season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs finally got team captain Mats Sundin re-signed to a new contract, albeit one shorter than anticipated.
Sundin’s new deal is for one year at $5.5 million, with an “no-move” clause, meaning he cannot be traded, waived or demoted without his concurrence.
The one year deal was at Sundin’s insistence, giving him flexibility should he decide his skills are no longer up to par thus not saddling the Leafs with a longer deal.
It’s also raised a darker suggestion, that if Sundin’s skills are fine but the Leafs aren’t a playoff contender by next season’s deadline, it gives him the out he needs to seek a trade, or failing that, to walk away at the end of next season as an unrestricted free agent.
It remains to be seen how this season pans out for Sundin and the Leafs, but you can bet the rumormongers will be watching closely for any sign of potential discontent.
Good news for Detroit Red Wings fans today, as GM Ken Holland announced goalie Dominik Hasek has confirmed he will return with the Wings for another season.
That’s effectively take the Wings out of the market for a goaltender this summer, although it seems it was never in doubt that Hasek would return. He’s a good fit with the Wings, and everyone from management to the coaching staff to the players expressed the hope he’d return next season.
Of course the price won’t be as cheap as last season’s bargain-basement $750,000, but it’s probably not going to be outrageously expensive. The betting here is a $2 million base salary with bonus clauses of an extra $2 million, the main one likely to be games-played.
Whilst perusing the latest updates of friend Paul Kukla's latest update to his Korner, I ran across a link to a recent column by Ted Montgomery of USA Today.
The following blurb from Ted caught my eye:
“Here’s a radical idea for the Toronto Maple Leafs to consider: Trade
Mats Sundin to a contender in March for a b
