That was then, this is now.

Those trades are now universally regarded as mistakes. Cautionary tales. Far be it for me to overestimate the intelligence of GM’s (and owners if they’re the hands-on type), but to automatically assume that they will be as loose with assets as they were last year is a bit of a stretch. Particularly in Sundin’s case, as it seems to be a given that he would return to the Leafs next season.

Posted by shep from california on 01/09/08 at 03:17 PM ET

I agree shep.  I mentioned the cost of a rent-a-player yesterday in my blog at NHL.com and I do believe many of the gms have learned from their past mistakes.
Although it could only take one to make an offer, I don’t see a bidding war like we have in the past.

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 01/09/08 at 03:21 PM ET

Wasn’t it someone from the Minnesota Wild who mentioned what happened last season specifically as a reason NOT to make a big, splashy trade?

Not to mention the fact that there aren’t a lot of teams who are simultaneously contending, have cap space, and have the prospects that would interest the Leafs - and all for a couple months and maybe some playoff games, depending on who else gets hurt on the team and who in the playoffs gets hot.

Still, people buy lottery tickets despite the odds, so I guess than anything is possible.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 01/09/08 at 04:00 PM ET

You are correct Ms. Baroque.

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 01/09/08 at 04:13 PM ET

There’s no need for so much formality.

(I’m not that old.)

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 01/09/08 at 04:16 PM ET

I agree.  Holland has said that he is satisfied with his forwards and that he’s looking for depth on the defense corps.  Many people have said that we really don’t need another defenseman as we have Quincey and Meech for depth. 

Well, we’ll see.  When it happens, it happens.

Posted by SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 01/09/08 at 04:53 PM ET

Call me crazy (I’ve been called a lot worse), but I can definitely see a situation where Vancouver would make a play for Mats.  It’s practically team Sweden already on the Left Coast, and it’s not difficult to envision a tougue tied Bob Cole on the play-by-play of a Canucks PP (Sedin-to-Sundin-to-Sedin).

Besides, Vancouver blows Toronto away as far as cities go

Posted by dash_pinched from Calgary on 01/09/08 at 05:27 PM ET

Hate to let y’all in on a little secret, but history repeats itself, especially in the NHL.  People thought GMs would learn to control player salaries after the lockout.  That sure didn’t happen.  People think GMs won’t sell the farm on improving an already good chance at the Cup, or even the possibility of the play-offs.  That would never happen.  What with all 30 teams financially stable with healthy fan bases. 

Don’t underestimate the impatient stupidity of NHL team management.  The pressures are various, and every year someone makes a rash move. 

With that said, I’m not confident JFJ could extract the necessary riches from his brethren to make a Sundin trade worth it.

Oh, and the ‘but everyone knows Sundin will go back to Toronto’ rationale doesn’t fly with me.  First, everyone knew Weight was going back to the Blues and they still managed a healthy return for a rental.  Second, Sundin has been so adamant and steadfast in his desire to remain in Toronto, don’t think for a second the possibility of him becoming disenchanted with the Leafs is out of the question. 

p.s. Is the comment incryption always topical?  67waiting is just brutal!

Posted by ninja on 01/10/08 at 03:28 PM ET