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Report: If He Returns to the NHL, Sundin Picks the Canucks
by Alanah McGinley on 07/19/08 at 06:44 PM ET
Comments (28)
This Swedish article at DN.se (Dagens Nyheter) has been translated below, as has this article from AftonBladet. But here are the high points from the original DN report:
- DN has a source stating that Mats Sundin has decided that—if he does return to the NHL—he will be playing in Vancouver (*changed. see updates.)
- His overseas agent (?) Claes Elefalk told DN he is unaware of this development, but did state they are in contact with the Canucks, as recently as yesterday.
The complete DN report is translated (terribly) by Google, below. Below that is the Aftonbladet translation, summarizing the original report.
NOTE: Significant changes to the translation available in the updates below.
Dagens Nyheter:
Sundin ready for Vancouver
He is a Swedish ishockeys hottest transition. Mats Sundin is as reported by Daily News ready for Vancouver. I talked to Vancouver yesterday, saying “Sudden” agent Claes Elefalk.
New York Rangers wanted him, Detroit as well. Probably half the NHL as well. However, according to the Daily News has Mats Sundin decided for now to extend his career, in a completely different club. He leaves Toronto, ishockeyns the capital, where he was larger than the city’s mayor, of Vancouver, where he becomes lagkamrat with, among others, the brothers Sedin.
A source of Daily News said the following on the Sundin situation:
-- His agent in North America declined by KHL on the grounds that he is fully ready for Vancouver. The fact that he has written on, why would he say if otherwise. He may, of course, a large sum of money in the event of a overgång here, “said the source.
Sundin agent Claes Elefalk also recognizes that Sundin and the club is in contact.
- I talked to Vancouver last yesterday (Friday), but that he would be ready is more than I know, if so, “he says to DN directly from their holidays.
I did not even know he had taken the decision to continue playing hockey, he continues.
How hot is Vancouver?
They are extremely hot. They want him.
Mats Sundin is one of the American is hockeys greatest heroes of all time.He has, along with Peter Forsberg, has been the biggest shop window for the blue and yellow in the last 15 years. Many thought he would never leave Toronto, where he was lagkapten in 13 years, and instead finish their careers there. But the exclusive data as DN taken note of doing now that he is continuing his amazing career, and that he makes it in svensklaget Vancouver.
DN has in vain sought to Mats Sundin for a comment.
-- Translated by Google
Aftonbladet:
Mats Sundin, 37, has decided. According to Dagens Nyheter, the Swedish star to continue playing in the NHL and then it will be Vancouver.
-- I talked to Vancouver last yesterday (Friday), but that he would be ready is more than I know, if so, “says the agent Claes Elefalk to DN.
Several clubs have shown great interest in Mats Sundin has always said that he has not made up its mind about their careers even to continue. However, according to a source of DN, he has now decided to become the NHL and Vancouver next season.
-- His agent in North America declined by KHL on the grounds that he is fully ready for Vancouver. The fact that he has written on, why would he say if otherwise. He may, of course, a large sum of money in the event of a overgång here, “said the source.
The agent deniedThe agent Claes Elefalk confirms the DN that Sundin has talked with Vancouver, but deny that something would be done.
-- I did not even know he had taken the decision to continue playing hockey, he continues.
How hot is Vancouver?
-- They are extremely hot. They want him.
-- Translation by Google
Update 4:08pm PT:
I’m told it has been suggested on some hockey message boards that the DN story actually states Sundin has already definitively decided his future—both to return to the NHL and to play in Vancouver. Unfortunately I’m limited by Google translations at the moment, and I find it reads a bit ambiguous on that point.
If any readers speak Swedish, your personal interpretation would be much appreciated. The original report is here.
Update 5:28pm PT:
The Aftonbladet report disappeared a short while ago, but the following image still resides on the main hockey page of their website, with this translation:
“Ready for Vancouver”
Mats Sundin is alleged to have decided - leaving Toronto. “They are extremely hot.”
Note: “They” presumably refers to Vancouver, judging from the quotes in the earlier stories.
Update 7:21pm PT:
Jon—in the comments below—sent the DN article to a native Swedish speaker for a human translation. His friend’s response:
“There’s no ambiguity there, it’s official. A good time to be a Vancouverite, I suppose. Rejoice!!”
As Jon points out, there’s no certainty that the article itself is accurate, but having a proper translation is a big help. (And great news for nail-biting Canucks fans, I suppose...)
Update 12:36am PT July 20:
Jeanette (in the comments) translates the report in its the entirety, and she agrees that it has no ambiguity at all—Sundin is said to be coming to Vancouver.
But according to information received at Dagens Nyheter, Mats Sundin has now decided to prolong his career in another club. He’s leaving Toronto, the capital of ice-hockey, where he’s been bigger than the city’s mayor, for Vancouver, where he’ll be team-mate with among others the Sedin brothers.
All there is left to do now is wait and find out if DN’s source is as good as they believe.
Update 11:06am PT July 20:
I contacted the author of the original report for an explanation. You can read it here.
Filed in: vancouver canucks | Canucks and Beyond | Permalink
Tags: mats+sundin,
Comments
Mats I guess a cup is not what your looking for! Its all about $$$$$! I guess we were wrong about you. Topical athlete no championships but plenty of money. Disgrace!
Posted by roc on 07/19/08 at 08:11 PM ET
yes, sundin is a very topical athlete right now. everyone is talking about him.
jeez, it’s not like he’s signing with nashville or the kings. there is some small chance that the canucks can make the playoffs.
Posted by bitterguy on 07/19/08 at 08:36 PM ET
btw, found a somewhat better machine translation for you. well maybe it’s just broken in a different way.
http://www.stars21.com/translator/swedish_to_english.html
New york Rangers wanted to have him, Detroit likewise. Probably half NHL also. But according to information to today’s news has Mats Sundin now certain himself traveled to extend his career, in an entirely other klubb. He leaves Toronto, the ice hockey’s capital, where he been bigger than the town’s mayors, for Vancouver, where he becomes law friend with among the other brothers Sedin.
A source to today’s news says following about Sundins situation:
- his agent in North america thanked no to KHL (the the Russian boozing era gang) with the justification that he is entirely clear for Vancouver. That he has typed on, why would he say so otherwise. He sheep of course a big sum money at a possible overgång here, the source says.
Sundins agent Claes Elefalk permits also that Sundin and klubben has contact.
- I spoke with Vancouver at the end yesterday (Friday) but that he would be clear is more than I know in that case, he says to DN direct from his vacation.
- I knew not even that he had taken beslutet to continue to play ice hockey, he continues.
How hot is Vancouver?
- they are extremely hot. They want to have him.
Mats Sundin is an of Swedish ice hockey bigest heroes over time. He has, along with Peter Forsberg, been the the biggest sign window for they blue and yellow during the last 15 years. Majority believed that he never would leave Toronto, where he was law captain in 13 years, and instead complete the career there. But the exclusive information that DN taken part of do now current that he continues his fantastic career, and that he does it in the Swede team Vancouver.
DN has in vain applied for Mats Sundin for a comment.
Posted by bitterguy on 07/19/08 at 09:04 PM ET
Bitterguy -- I think that’s a much cleaner translation. Thanks!
Greg - Don’t say such things! Sundin has caused me enough grief already without you floating freakin’ Wings jokes. 
Posted by Alanah McGinley from British Columbia on 07/19/08 at 09:20 PM ET
Playing for a Canadian Market team is where it’s at. Montreal is to close to home, Ottawa is the same issue. Calgary, and Edmonton are non-attractive markets, and bad places to live. Vancouver can be a cup contender with a few minor adjustments, and Sundin in the line up.
Roberto Luongo give the club the best chance at winning, night in and night out. Vancouver has NEVER had a top centre like Sundin, and is slowly adding a great supporting cast.
Dimetra playing with Sundin is an easy 30 goal producer. Sundin is a point a game player, and we’ve got 2 or 3 guys we can slot in for the third spot in the top line.
Vancouver for the past 3 years have had the Sedin twins as our number one line. They have averaged over 150 points a year together. Adding Steve Bernier to that mix makes one of the best second lines in the NHL. Remember these guys were also playing against team’s top defence, now they’re gonna get more room playing with the 2nd best. I am sure you’re going to see almost a point a game per this year.
Kesler, Burrows are probably players that fit in the top 10 best 3rd line in the NHL. Depends who plays with them Pyatt or Raymond, they’ll be putting up decent numbers as well.
I think with Sundin as a piece in the puzzle that is the Vancouver Canucks, there is a serious 2 year window. These guys can compete for the cup.
Jase from inner space.
Posted by Jason on 07/19/08 at 10:02 PM ET
Sent the link to a native swedish speaker. His response:
“There’s no ambiguity there, it’s official.
A good time to be a Vancouverite, I suppose. Rejoice!!”
Of course, there’s still no guarantee that the article is accurate, but now we know what it says.
Posted by Jon from Vancouver on 07/19/08 at 10:12 PM ET
Google translations are hilarious.
I’d like to see Sundin keep playing. His skills obviously haven’t dropped off all that much, Toronto has made pretty clear that they don’t want him around, and playing in Vancouver would avoid the awkwardness of returning to Toronto as a Canadien.
Plus the pay isn’t bad, either.
yes, sundin is a very topical athlete right now. everyone is talking about him.
lol
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/19/08 at 10:19 PM ET
Jon - thanks so much for that. I’ve added your info to the updates in the post, to be sure people see it.
Posted by Alanah McGinley from British Columbia on 07/19/08 at 10:21 PM ET
Calgary, and Edmonton are non-attractive markets, and bad places to live
damn… I hate it when people are right like this. Even I want to move to a better hockey market!
Posted by LOUiE from cowtown on 07/20/08 at 12:08 AM ET
Vancouver can be a cup contender with a few minor adjustments, and Sundin in the line up.
Man, I hope you’re right. Although facing Bobby Lou in the playoffs scares the bejeezus out of me, I’d love to have a friendly blog war within the Kukla empire.
For Sundin’s sake, I hope he isn’t Messier part duex.
Posted by Osrt on 07/20/08 at 12:16 AM ET
I’m still cautious about this until it is official. His North American agent said Mats wouldn’t make a decision until the end of the month at the earliest. Maybe Mats’ fishing trip got him thinking about Orcas and shit.
So Sportsnet and TSN have not caught wind of this yet either. Gotta love us bloggers, huh? Quick to the draw!
PS, I thought I had a head start on this story, Alanah. I even cropped that Sundin image as you did. Then I did a blog search on Sundin and saw that you found this story hours ago! HA! I bow in your presence!
What the hell is a Russian boozing era gang?
Posted by Sean Zandberg from Smithers on 07/20/08 at 01:33 AM ET
If this is of any help.... A quick, not perfect, but as precise translation as possible, of the article in DN. Best wishes from Stockholm.
“2008-07-19
Sundin ready for Vancouver
He is Swedish hockey’s hottest transition. Mats Sundin is according to information received at Dagens Nyheter. - I talked with Vancouver yesterday, says “Sudden’s” agent Claes Elefalk.
New York Rangers wanted him, Detroit as well. Probably half of NHL. But according to information received at Dagens Nyheter, Mats Sundin has now decided to prolong his career in another club He’s leaving Toronto, the capital of ice-hockey, where he’s been bigger than the city’s mayor, for Vancouver, where he’ll be team-mate with among others the Sedin brothers.
A source says the following to Dagens Nyheter, about Sundin’s situation:
- His agent in North Amercia said no thanks to KHL (the Russian super league) with the reason that he is completely ready for Vancouver. That he has signed, why else would he say like that. He gets a big amount of money in the case of a possible transition here, says the source.
Sundin’s agent Claes Elefalk also admits that Sundin and the club are in contact.
- I spoke to Vancouver as late as yesterday (Friday), but that he would be ready is more than I know, in that case, he says to DN directly from his vacation.
- I didn’t even know he made the decision to continue playing ice-hockey.
How “hot” are Vancouver?
- They are extremely hot. They want him.
Mats Sundin is one of Swedish hockey’s greatest heroes through history. He has, together with Peter Forsberg, been the biggest “display window” for the blu & yellow during the last 15 years. Many thought that he would never leave Toronto, where he was the captain of the team, and instead complete his career there. But the exclusive information which DN has been given, now claims that he will continue hos fantastic career, and that he will do it in the “Swede-team” Vancouver.
DN has in vain tried to reach Mats Sundin for a comment.”
Posted by Jeanette from Sweden on 07/20/08 at 03:06 AM ET
come on, Sundin in vancouver,i realy dont think so,would be good for them,coz if no sundin,they would need a miracle for them to even be close to the play-off.
Here in montreal they all want him,but for me it would be to weird,,,,,ex-leafs,ex-NORDiques,doesn’t rime with good habs
Posted by bow gagnon from montreal on 07/20/08 at 03:15 AM ET
Geezus… did someone say Messier Part Deux? Please, don’t EVER say that!
Sean - the “Russian boozing era gang” part is why I sorta love Google translations. (But Jeanette translates it as literally “the Russian Super League” - which makes me wonder how the “National Hockey League” translates from English to Swedish...)
Jeanette - Thank you very much for your trouble. I’m really glad to have a proper translation in front of us. Much, much better!
Posted by Alanah McGinley from British Columbia on 07/20/08 at 03:42 AM ET
Sundin is coming to NY
Posted by roc on 07/20/08 at 06:16 AM ET
Sportbladet’s Andreas Lagnelius says that Claes Elefalk is denying the report:
Sundin’s agent denies move
After the report on a move to Vancouver - now Mats Sundin’s agent denies that something is clear/decided.
“There is nothing in these rumours,” says CAA Sports Claes Elefalk to HockeyExpressen.se.
According to information provided to the Daily News Mats Sundin should be consistent with the “Swedish Club” Vancouver Canucks on a contract.
“No substance”
The club has openly shown its interest in the Swedish star for a long time - but according to Sundin’s agent the information that the transition would be completed should be totally banned from the air.
“There is no substance in it at all.”
“Mats is still in the same position that he has been throughout the summer. He’s [on vacation] and has not yet decided whether he will continue to play or not,” said Elefalk.
Posted by George James Malik from South Lyon, MI on 07/20/08 at 07:08 AM ET
Sounds like Daily News was going for a record day with website hits.
I dont see no reason though why Sundin wouldnt want to join the Canucks.... he would play with fellow countrymen,he wouldnt freeze his ass off from October till April and no Toronto media.
Both him and Sakic need to let their intentions be known already.
Posted by PuckHound61 from Speckville USA on 07/20/08 at 08:21 AM ET
Ugh!
IMO, it is extremely unprofessional for that particular Swedish media to report anything of that magnitude without absolute confirmation.
As a tired & cynical Canucks fan, I have pretty much already given up hope for this team for the next half-decade and I hate that this type of sloppy journalism just jerks people around.
Are they that desperate for news?
I don’t doubt Sundin has ‘considered’ coming to Vancouver (for $20 million, who wouldn’t consider it?), but I seriously doubt he is that close to making a decision and I’m guessing he’s more likely to retire.
Does anyone have any idea how much Swedish players(or other European players for that matter) pay attention to the media (either local or North American)? Is it as big over there as here?
Posted by redbacon from Kelowna, BC on 07/20/08 at 11:13 AM ET
Maybe DN’s source was Markus Naslund. Markus is just *#$%@& with us! Haha!
Posted by Sean Zandberg from Smithers on 07/20/08 at 01:50 PM ET
I asked—it turns out the source of this goes back to Russia.
Posted by Alanah McGinley from British Columbia on 07/20/08 at 02:09 PM ET
does eklund now work at this swedish newspaper?
Posted by vancovuerdave from vancouver on 07/21/08 at 07:11 PM ET
I thought that Eklund said that he wouldn’t touch this rumour with a ten-foot pole for some reason...maybe he didn’t want to a) upset a “trusted source” or b) reveal how the process of creating an unsubstantiated rumour takes place.
Alanah got the glory of breaking it down to the rest of the hockey world instead.
Posted by George James Malik from South Lyon, MI on 07/21/08 at 07:24 PM ET
Sundin is a Canuck. It’s a done deal and will be announced next Fri the 1st of Aug
Posted by haber from victoria on 07/26/08 at 12:57 AM ET
Sundin is coming to Montreal.
No, wait…
Sundin is coming to Pittsburgh.
No. Not really…
Sundin is coming to Detroit.
Oh really?
Sundin is coming to Philadelphia.
Awesome! No?!?!
Sundin is coming to the Iowa Chops!
w00t!!! Yes!!! I’m getting tickets to the Chops’ games.
Unbelievable. The only tension in this story is when he comes out with his decision. I’ve pretty much given up on whether or not he decides to play. Whom he plays for is seemingly irrelevant now.
Posted by SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 07/26/08 at 02:10 AM ET
w00t!!! Yes!!! I’m getting tickets to the Chops’ games.
I hear that after every home game, Chops players chosen as one of the three stars will give replica sticks away to the fans while the organist plays… what else… Chopsticks!!!
Posted by BobTheZee on 07/26/08 at 06:25 PM ET
Sundin is coming to the Iowa Chops!
He could play on a line with Brett Favre.
I wonder if any other minor-league hockey team has gotten this much publicity in the offseason. Goofy, but good for them.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/26/08 at 08:01 PM ET
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About Canucks & Beyond
Alanah McGinley has been blogging hockey since 2003, sharing opinions, rants and not-so-deep thoughts with anyone who will listen. In addition to writing Canucks & Beyond and helping manage Kukla’s Korner, Alanah is one of the founders and co-hosts of The Crazy Canucks Podcast, as featured at Canucks.com.
She has contributed pieces to FoxSports.com and the New York Times Slapshot blog, as well as other stray destinations in cyberspace.
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This is all going to make his two-year deal with the Wings even harder for everyone.
Posted by Greg from Atlanta on 07/19/08 at 08:05 PM ET