Oh Mats Sundin. When will the media circus surrounding the biggest name in free agency die down? I guess you'll have to be signed before that happens. And as far as NHL news, you're about it.
I think a lesser known part of the interest in Mr. Sundin might be that, all things considered, he's one of the last players who has played for only one team (well, maybe not one, but for all intensive purposes, the Nordiques aren't being counted here) his whole career. There's something venerable about that, especially in this age of hockey, where one good season can earn you a huge contract (See: Ryan Malone) somewhere else, and even franchise players can be lured away by the chance to play for a "Cup Contender."
Perhaps that is what is occurring here. Sundin has yet to win a Stanley Cup, and some move vocal hockey pundits believe that without a cup, you shouldn't be in the Hall of Fame (a rather ridiculous statement, considering the Stanley Cup is a team accolade). Though, in all honesty, that would be understandable from the hockey fan's point of view. Still, it leaves me a little saddened. My whole hockey-watching life has seen Mats Sundin play the Maple Leafs. It would be similar to the two times I watched Mario retire on television.
However, Mats may just be interested in seeing how much he can potentially get from other teams. He may even give the Leafs a chance to match any offer, though that's a bad career move if he wants to win a Cup, as Toronto has finally decided to officially start rebuilding.
It'll be a different place in Toronto if Mats Sundin really is going to leave. While it may be a good move for his career, I think it may prove to be a bad move for his legacy.