Entries with the tag: mats+sundin

Return Of Sundin Won’t Help The Leafs

by Paul on 04/04/08 at 08:36 AM
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from Damien Cox of the Toronto Star,

Their “core” has been exposed as flaccid and wildly overpaid. Their management has been discredited and banished, with the team now left indefinitely in the hands of a man fired by the same team a decade ago.

For the next two to three years the Leafs will continue to make enormous profits, ownership will remain essentially absentee in its approach, a new management team will attempt to sort out the club’s chronic problems and there won’t be a Stanley Cup final appearance, let alone a Cup parade.

Sundin isn’t going to change any of that whether he returns or doesn’t. He’s still capable of being a difference maker. Just not to this 23rd-place Toronto hockey club.

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Afternoon Line

by Paul on 04/01/08 at 12:07 PM
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from David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail,

“He had been getting better,” Maurice said. “He came back to practice [Monday] and we had the expectation he would feel considerably better and didn’t, so he’s not playing. If he doesn’t feel better, he won’t play the rest of the games.”

However, when Maurice was asked to reflect on Sundin’s season, one of his best since coming to the Maple Leafs in 1994, he dismissed the notion Sundin’s days in Toronto are finished.

“I’ll answer that question and someone over here will take a piece of it and say, ‘Mats might be done for the year.’ “ Maurice said. “Then we’ll spend three weeks putting out a fire that you and I just created for no reason.

“There’s going to come a point in time, in six or seven years, when Mats retires. Then you’re going to spend the next 20 years with parades, tributes, Mats Sundin nights, the ashtrays, the coffee cups, matchbooks.

“We’ll let that all happen.”

Influencing Sundin

by Paul on 03/30/08 at 08:44 AM
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from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun,

Sundin is going to keep people waiting for his decision on whether he’ll re-sign with the Leafs, go somewhere else or simply retire and get ready for his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Many NHL insiders believe after what’s been a taxing season full of disappointment, Sundin might decide to hang up his sweater and walk away, comfortable in the fact he’s had a tremendous career.

Given all the bluster about not wanting to be dealt at the trade deadline, it would seem unlikely that Sundin would sign elsewhere unless Detroit D Nicklas Lidstrom and fellow Swede does a full-court press to get him to sign with the Red Wings.

more NHL talk…

Everyone Watching Sundin

by Paul on 03/15/08 at 08:49 AM
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from the Toronto Sun,

Asked to describe the effect of his injury, just when his team was getting back into the playoff hunt, Sundin candidly replied: “Devastating.”

Does that sound like a guy on the verge of returning to the lineup? Not really. In fact, don’t be surprised if the parties involved are cautious and hold him out until at least Tuesday when the Leafs visit the New York Islanders in Uniondale.

With so much still up in the air, this much is certain: Coach Paul Maurice said the decision to play will be up to Sundin, and Sundin alone.

“Mats knows what is best for Mats,” Maurice said. “If there are still questions, sitting out one game is preferable to this thing turning into a three or four (game absence.).”

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Sundin Leaves Game With Muscle Strain

by Paul on 03/12/08 at 09:16 PM
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via the Globe and Mail,

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin left the game with what a club spokesperson called a “muscle strain” with five minutes remaining in the first period of the Leafs game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday evening.

Afternoon Line

by Paul on 03/07/08 at 03:59 PM
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from Risto Pakarinen at Hockey.com,

I would also want you to acknowledge that a great player can end up on a bad club, and nothing can save him. That winning the Stanley Cup is not the only yardstick against which players can be measured. That a player like Mats Sundin can play on a line with Scarecrow and Tin Man, and still have enough heart and brain for the three of them.

more on Sundin…

Stars of the Week

by Alanah on 03/03/08 at 12:40 PM
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NEW YORK – Toronto Maple Leafs center Mats Sundin, Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas and Philadelphia Flyers right wing Mike Knuble have been named the NHL’s ‘Three Stars’ for the week ending March 2.

More on each player below, plus video available at this link.

Continue Reading »

What’s Next For Sundin

by Paul on 02/25/08 at 10:39 AM
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from Darren Dreger of TSN,

Will he retire?

It’s possible, however what’s more likely is the 37-year-old will move at his own pace, so we shouldn’t be surprised if he steals a page from the playbook Anaheim’s Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne used last season.

Sundin will sit comfortably on his dock in Sweden, wait for the flurry of offers to rush in, shelve them for a couple of more months before seriously considering his future.

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added 11:53pm, from Adam Proteau of the Hockey News,

For now, let’s leave it at this: if Sundin chooses not to retire from the NHL this summer, it’s fair to assume he’ll only want to return to the Maple Leafs organization he obviously loves so dearly.

Should that turn out to be the case, and I’m the lucky so-and-so who replaces Cliff Fletcher as Toronto’s GM, my first contract offer to the captain comes in no higher than $1.7 million, the same amount Sundin’s dressing room neighbor Alex Steen just signed for.

read on

Sundin Staying

by Paul on 02/24/08 at 10:11 PM
Comments (19)

from Darren Dreger of TSN,

Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin is staying put....

“I have carefully considered the team’s request that I waive my no-trade clause,” Sundin stated. “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.”

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The Next Two Days

by Paul on 02/24/08 at 05:50 PM
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Folks, we are going to hear rumors and things like from a friend of a friend type thing, so get used to it.  It is up to you to decide what is true and what isn’t and a few suggestions.  If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it is a duck!

Spector will be a busy man with stuff like this…

TSN: During the first intermission of today’s Sharks-Penguins game, Darren Dreger and John Ferguson Jr reported the following:

- Nothing new to report on Mats Sundin’s status, other than Sundin personally contacted Ferguson today and denied a report in Sunday’s Toronto Star that claimed the Leafs captain told a friend it wasn’t his responsibility to fix Ferguson’s mistakes. JFJ claims Sundin was quite upset about the story.

read more of Spector…

At Least On More Day Of “What Will Mats Do”

by Paul on 02/24/08 at 08:40 AM
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from David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail, .

..Still, Fletcher has not yet been told no definitively. And Sundin at least acknowledges he is still wrestling with a final decision.

“I have some things to think about, some things to sort out,” he told Hockey Night interviewer Elliotte Friedman.

Then, in the Leaf dressing room, he faced another large media scrum.

“No matter what happens, I’ll always love Toronto and I’m going to love the Toronto Maple Leafs,” Sundin said. “It’s been home for the last 13 years and that’s never going to change.

“I hope people respect whatever decision is going to come out of this.”

read on

Sundin Still True To His Word

by Paul on 02/23/08 at 12:52 PM
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from TSN,

Sundin spoke to the media at Saturday’s morning skate and admitted that interim GM Cliff Fletcher had asked him to waive his clause, allowing the club to pursue a trade.

‘’The Leafs gave me a chance to think about it and all that but as I said my position hasn’t changed since the start of the year.

‘’I have to do what feels right in my heart. I just don’t think I can go to another team if I don’t want to play for another team. That wouldn’t be right to myself. That’s how I feel right now.’’

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added 1:35pm, More on this from Paul Hunter ant the Toronto Star.

Sundin Has Not Waived His NTC

by Paul on 02/22/08 at 04:49 PM
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Cliff Fletcher is on 640am in Toronto and says he talked to Sundin’s agent today, J.P. Barry and mentioned he is just waiting for a response back from him.

He did say Mats has not waived his NTC and talk is pretty slow right now around the league.  Fletcher has other issues to deal with and will try to work on those.

Something Wrong Here

by Paul on 02/22/08 at 10:13 AM
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Mats Sundin has stated he does not want to leave Toronto, over and over again.  So why this?

from Darren Drager of TSN,

Sources tell TSN that Toronto Maple Leafs interim general manager Cliff Fletcher and captain Mats Sundin met on Thursday to discuss his future with the team.

It’s believed Fletcher asked Sundin for a list of teams he would consider playing for, although the Leafs GM stopped short of officially asking him to waive his no-trade clause.

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Loyalty Lacking - Not From Sundin

by Paul on 02/21/08 at 08:37 PM
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from Spector’s Blog,

...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.

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Make Mats Pay To Stay

by Paul on 02/19/08 at 08:39 PM
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from Scott Burnside of ESPN,

At some point between now and next Tuesday, Maple Leafs interim GM Cliff Fletcher will go to captain Mats Sundin on bended knee and ask him in the nicest possible way to waive his no-trade clause so Toronto can begin the long task of rebuilding its rotted vessel.

No one knows what Sundin will say when this offer is presented to him, but the Leafs’ course of action should be very clear if he maintains his stated position that he has no intention of leaving Toronto.

First, Fletcher should immediately strip Sundin of the captain’s “C”. Then, Fletcher should make it very clear he will not re-sign the unrestricted free agent this summer or strongly recommend to the next full-time GM that Sundin not be re-signed.

After all, what kind of role model is Sundin if he refuses to commit the ultimate act of leadership by helping the team he professes to love get better?

read on

Show Some Love Mats

by Paul on 02/15/08 at 08:47 AM
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from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

If Mats Sundin is to be taken at his word, that he truly bleeds blue and white, then in the best interests of the Maple Leafs he must act accordingly.

He must waive the no-trade clause in his contract and allow Cliff Fletcher to trade him at the Feb. 26 deadline.

That way, he can impact the next decade of the Leafs, just as he impacted the past decade. That way, he can enable the Leafs to build for next season and beyond, and if he chooses to return as a free agent in July, then he returns to a team that has a Steven Stamkos or a Drew Doughty, a team with fresher, younger legs, a team he can resume his captaincy and leadership of, while surrounded with a better cast and crew.

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Right Equals Wings

by Paul on 02/10/08 at 10:04 AM
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from Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe,

His last words on the subject of a potential trade had Sundin remaining loyal to the end, not wanting out of Dodge. But he’s not talking about it anymore. Ditto for Fletcher. But two GMs, unwilling to speak for the record, in recent days said they believe Sundin has given his blessing to go - provided it is to the “right” team.

In this case, “right” is likely code for Detroit, a club that could win it without Sundin, and one that becomes a prohibitive favorite if he has the Winged Wheel on his chest

much more NHL talk…

Why Not Sign Sundin

by Paul on 02/03/08 at 09:36 AM
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from Rosie DiManno of the Toronto Star,

If Sundin stands his ground on this, the Leafs need to get his signature on a new contract now, so that they don’t lose on both ends of a polarizing predicament. And if Sundin is being truthful about wanting to end his career in Toronto, then he should prove that with a renewed commitment.

However, asked several which ways if he’d re-sign Sundin this summer – whatever happens Feb. 26 – Fletcher declined to oblige.

“That’s a decision that would be entirely up to him. He is in a position to do what he wants.’’

Not true. Sundin can’t say yes if the invitation is never extended.

If there’s no separation, both parties need to re-affirm their vows.

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Move Sundin To The Ducks & Don’t Re-sign Him

by Paul on 01/30/08 at 12:06 PM
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from Alan Adams at AOL Canada,

If it were left to me, I would deal Sundin by the Feb. 26 NHL trade deadline, and send him to Anaheim as a matter of fact. Then I wouldn’t bring Sundin back in the fold this summer when the big Swede is an unrestricted free agent.

This is the ONLY course the Leafs should plot regarding Sundin if, as ownership says, it is serious about making things right with the storied Toronto franchise.

Think of it this way: You have to get bad, and bad for a couple of years, before you can get good. And Sundin is the ticket to both destinations.

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Expected Return For Sundin

by Paul on 01/09/08 at 02:48 PM
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from Bob McKenzie of TSN,

The price on Keith Tkachuk was a first, a second and a third round pick. On Ryan Smyth, it was two prospects - Robert Nilsson and Ryan O’Marra - and a first rounder. Heck, an injured Todd Bertuzzi got Florida a good prospect in Shawn Matthias and a second round pick.

Sundin, if he were made available, would blow all of those right out of the water. If the Leafs didn’t get two or three credible players or prospects and the same number of significant draft choices, John Ferguson would be accused of not doing his job.

Which, funny enough, is what some people will say if the Leafs don’t try to make a Sundin trade happen before the deadline.

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Sundin Has No Plans To Leave Toronto

by Paul on 01/08/08 at 07:15 AM
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from the Toronto Sun,

While dropping a couple of expletives yesterday to describe the club’s wasteful efforts of late, Sundin reaffirmed his desire to see his one-year contract through as a Leaf and play beyond April 5.

“I have not talked to my agent (J.P. Barry) about anything,” Sundin said of waiving his no-trade clause. “We’re not going to give up when our conference is so close. When we play our style of game, when everyone works together, we’re a good team, as good as a lot of teams that are ahead of us.

“We have to learn to close out games, but we’re shooting ourselves in the foot.”

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added 7:32am, from David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail,

But it is way too early for this topic to dominate all discussions about the team. It is at least a month away for several reasons.

First is that Sundin gets traded only if the Leafs are out of playoff contention. Strange as it sounds, this is not a sure bet, given the collective mediocrity in the NHL’s Eastern Conference.

However, the other problem is that it is clearly not in Ferguson’s personal interest to trade Sundin. The trade is the equivalent of a white flag in the playoff fight and it’s been made clear many times by Peddie and other MLSE poobahs that missing the playoffs for an unprecedented third consecutive year would mean dismissal.

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Morning Line

by Paul on 01/06/08 at 09:58 AM
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from the Toronto Sun,

“It’s more than just the power plays (not producing),” said Sundin, after the Leafs scored on one of six.

“It’s a fine line in this league between winning and losing and we’re consistently shooting ourselves in the foot. The good hockey teams in this league aren’t that much better than us. The difference is that we have to be smarter."…

“Tonight?” Sundin said. “It has been a bad theme we keep repeating. We played a good game. We put ourselves in a position to win and looking back there are 10, 15 games where we’ve played well ... or come back ... but in the end we don’t know how to win.”

more on Sundin and the Leafs…

Toronto Board Of Directors Will Be Involved With Sundin Trade Talk

by Paul on 01/05/08 at 08:28 AM
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from Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun,

“Mats has set every record for us and I think he has been a wonderful captain,” Peddie said yesterday. “If (Ferguson) was contemplating such a move, then out of respect to Mats, I think he would have to bring it to the board of directors.”

Any Sundin deal must be handled delicately. For one, the franchise scoring leader has repeatedly expressed a desire to stay and has a no-trade clause in his $5.5-million US deal this year.

And, if Sundin has a change of heart if the Leafs fade further toward the Feb. 26 trade deadline, should Ferguson and his staff be making such a big decision when they likely wouldn’t be around next year to deal with the ramifications?

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What’s Next, Four Guys From Latvia?

by Paul on 12/14/07 at 04:55 PM
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Featured on the current issue of The Hockey News is the Leafs’ Mats Sundin.

Last week it was Nick Lidstrom and the week before that was Henrik Zetterberg.

It has to be a first, three Swedes on back-to-back-to-back covers!

Better With Age

by Paul on 12/13/07 at 09:56 AM
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from the National Post,

Sundin has pledged to end his career with the Leafs, even though all eyes around the league could look his way if Toronto falters near the NHL’s trade deadline on Feb. 26. His contract expires after the season which, combined with his productivity, could make him the most attractive commodity the market has seen for some time.

“Points or not, I’m not sure how much better a guy can play for us,” Maurice said. “If he hits that plateau, fine. If he’s under it, he may have actually played better.

“I don’t think the numbers will tell us how important he is to our team in the end.”

more on Sundin…

Sundin Has No Plans To Move

by Paul on 12/03/07 at 07:59 AM
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from Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun,

Sundin was dismissing a highly speculative report that the Swedish contingent on the Detroit Red Wings, including Niklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom, are set to lobby general manager Ken Holland to acquire the Leafs captain if Toronto falls out of the playoffs.

But Sundin said Saturday night he was not in cahoots with the Motown Scandinavians and repeated yesterday that, as long as he controls his fate with a no-movement contract clause, he’ll stay put.

“That’s very safe to say,” Sundin said. “I didn’t sign a one-year deal last summer to (better accommodate a trade), I want to be a Leaf.”

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Would Sundin Leave Toronto

by Paul on 11/06/07 at 11:02 AM
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from Pierre LeBrun at Sporstnet,

Given Monday’s setback in Sweden when Forsberg left practice with the national team after feeling some discomfort in his right foot, who knows what it means for his NHL future?

Which brings things back to Sundin.

His contract is up after the season. He’s the perfect rental. Whether or not Sundin would want to leave Toronto and whether or not Ferguson would want to trade the big Swede is a question no one has the answer for at this point. Sundin insists he wants to win in Toronto and doesn’t want to leave. Time will tell.

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Sens Should Forget Foppa - Get Sundin Instead

by Paul on 11/05/07 at 06:54 AM
Comments (4)

from Ken Campbell of the Hockey News,

If you had your choice between a broken-down, unreliable Forsberg and a rejuvenated Sundin playing his best hockey in years, which one would you want? In fact, any team that is considering picking up Forsberg at this point must also consider making a pitch for Sundin. The Leafs are still in the playoff picture only because they’ve played more games than anyone else in the Eastern Conference, but it’s not likely to last.

There’s no way Leafs GM John Ferguson would be willing to make a trade for the long-term future with his immediate future in so much doubt. That’s why until the Leafs either fire him or give him a long-term extension, the team’s board of directors should be the ones mandating personnel moves. This is one they should make for the good of the franchise.

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Sundin, Sundin, Sundin

by Alanah on 10/12/07 at 01:48 AM
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From the CP via TSN,

Mats Sundin, displaying the classy modesty that has marked his tenure as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, was quick to thank the team’s loyal fans after he made franchise history.

With his 390th goal and 917th point in the blue and white, the Leafs’ 36-year-old Swedish captain moved past Darryl Sittler to set both club records during an 8-1 rout of the New York Islanders on Thursday night.

Air Canada Centre announcer Andy Frost announced the three stars, and it was Sundin, Sundin and Sundin as more than 19,000 roared their approval.

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Is Blake A Fit With Sundin

by Paul on 09/16/07 at 09:08 AM
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from the Toronto Star,

Welcome to the club, Jason Blake, the Fraternal Squadron of Mats Sundin Wing Men.

Remember Mikael Renberg? Steve Thomas? Alex Mogilny? Gary Roberts? Eric Lindros? Freddie Modin? Lately, everyone from Tie Domi to Darcy Tucker, Alexei Ponikarovsky and Nik Antropov have flanked Sundin, with mutually less than Cup-calibre results.

Now, it’s Blake’s turn, circa training camp ‘07. Is he the one, the missing link in the magic combo?

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