Interesting article.  Assuming Sundin seeks a trade (which, in itself, is a highly questionable assumption), I don’t see the Wings parting with either Hudler or Howard for what would almost assuredly be a short-term rental.  Remember Shawn Matthias and Todd Bertuzzi?  Ken Holland sure does, and won’t take a chance on making the same mistake twice.  I think even a high pick or two would sour the Wings on any deal for Sundin, assuming team chemistry doesn’t take a complete nosedive between now and the end of February.

As for Rucinsky, I don’t get the characterization of him as “a spent force.” He’s had a terrible year in D.C., but reuniting him with Jagr might be a good move for the Rangers, assuming the price was right. 

As for Cujo, I hope he gets another chance in the NHL.  The guy’s too good not to get another crack, and isn’t a headcase the way other fading lights of his generation of netminders are (Ed Belfour, you know who you are).

Posted by mudshark from denver, CO on 01/06/08 at 01:13 PM ET

I like the suggestion of Sundin to Detroit.

Because, you know, the Red Wings are having a poor season and need a jolt of offense to shake up the roster and get them into the playoffs. 

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 01/06/08 at 02:07 PM ET

I could see Sundin be traded to the Wings as a rental, would boost their chances in the SC playoffs, and we all know the regular season means squat.
That story from weeks past regarding some Euro Detroit players making a push for Sundin to come there makes sense.

Posted by PuckHound61 from Speckville USA on 01/06/08 at 02:27 PM ET

I thought Sundin was NOT on a first-name, buddy buddy, bestest friends foreverest basis with the Swedes on the Wings’ roster?

They may have played a couple of World Championships and Olympics together but that doesn’t necessarily make them friends.

Posted by SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 01/06/08 at 03:12 PM ET

As for Rucinsky, I don’t get the characterization of him as “a spent force.” He’s had a terrible year in D.C., but reuniting him with Jagr might be a good move for the Rangers, assuming the price was right. 

Rucinsky plays for St. Louis, not Washington.
Brooks just pulled this one out of his butt.

Posted by K24 from NYC on 01/06/08 at 03:44 PM ET

Yeah, brain fart.  I was talking about Nylander, who Brooks didn’t mention.

Posted by mudshark from denver, CO on 01/06/08 at 04:39 PM ET

And Nylander’s not a spent force as he’s hooked up well with Alexander Ovechkin in DC.

Rucinsky on the other hand is clearly past it and the Rangers would be nuts to bring him back thinking another reunion with Jagr will help him magically rediscover his scoring touch. I think Larry wouldn’t mind seeing Marty back because he was one of his favourite players when he was with the Rangers.

Posted by Lyle Richardson from Charlottetown, PEI, Canada on 01/06/08 at 08:20 PM ET

I thought Sundin was NOT on a first-name, buddy buddy, bestest friends foreverest basis with the Swedes on the Wings’ roster?

They may have played a couple of World Championships and Olympics together but that doesn’t necessarily make them friends.

Actually Sundin used to, i am not sure if he still does, hold a pre-camp training camp in Sweden where NHL players skated together..

Posted by Mats on 01/10/08 at 12:36 PM ET