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Sundin sits back as other big names sign

TIM WHARNSBY

From Thursday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 9:56 PM EST 03/07/08

The big Swede thanks teams for their offers but remains non-committal on whether he'll play again ...Read the full article

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  1. J Law from Canada writes: How would you like to work for this guy. "Hey, boss can I have a raise?"
    Sundin, "Get back to me in two years and I'll let you know."
  2. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Eenie, Meanie, Minnie, Moe...

    Please stop waffling and make a decision so we don't keep having to read sports "headlines" like this in the G&M...
  3. Captain Ontario from Canada writes: Sundin is a prima-dona.
  4. Mac- GLG from Canada writes: Captain Ontario from Canada writes: Sundin is a prima-dona.

    What he said!

    I had all kinds of respect for the guy but now he's annoying.
    Sign with the HABS and get it over with.
  5. Atlantica Party.ca from Canada writes:

    I suspect that Sundin is waiting on the Leafs to finalize a roster rather than sign and find out that mgmt decided he could carry the team after his signing.

    Too bad about Hossa. He was the missing piece of the Penguins puzzle. Time will tell.
  6. Leafs fan from Ottawa, Canada writes: I've enjoyed watching Sundin play with the Leafs these past 13 seasons and I admire his heart and leadership on the ice. However, if it's true that he needs this much time to decide whether or not he even wants to play in the NHL another season (this, of course, may not be the true story) then I don't know why the Leafs and their fans are hoping to have him back. How much can his heart truly be in it even if he does decide to play?...........................................................

    In all honesty, I've been happier with the way the others have played in the past when Sundin has been out of the lineup. Are some of these younger guys too comfortable with Sundin in the lineup? Will they step it up if they don't have Mats to fall back on?.........................................................................................................
    I don't know, maybe it's better if he doesn't come back to the Leafs next season.
  7. Ob Server from Canada writes: The contract an NHL player gets is less important than the amount of money that can be ripped off a fan (sucker) to warm a seat for 2 1/2 hours after paying $400 for a single ticket, $10 for a beer and $6 for a hot dog. An NHL game at the ACC for a family of 4....$2,000; the ability to keep drawing the suckers....Priceless!!
  8. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: Ok enough with Sundin already. We went through this near the end of the season and he's had more than his 15 minutes worth of enthralling fame. Like there are really a lot more important things in the world than worrying about what this egomaniac is going to do--his humble act is a sham.
  9. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Atlantic Party.ca from Canada:

    Naw! Hossa ain't that good...

    Crosby was carrying him in the playoffs.

    The Pens will still be a bonafide threat for Stanley next year...

    Time will tell.
  10. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: So there are seven teams left that are going to be very active over the next month and a half.... especially the LA Kings ... who are 14m under the minimum.

    Vancouver is almost at the mimimum and technically has enough room for Sundin.

    The others that are below the minimum are Atlanta and Columbus 25m room
  11. R E from Canada writes: Leafs fan: "However, if it's true that he needs this much time to decide whether or not he even wants to play in the NHL another season (this, of course, may not be the true story) then I don't know why the Leafs and their fans are hoping to have him back."

    Two points:
    1) It took Scott Niedermayer much, much longer to decide last year and nobody seemed to think it was a problem. In fact, both Ducks fans were happy to see him come back.
    2) Have you looked at their depth chart at centre? That's why the Leafs want him back.

    R.M.: An egomaniac? Really? You've already said more on the subject than Mats has. Just because Shoalts, et al., can't stop writing about him, doesn't mean Mats has a big ego.

    Honestly...don't pretend you know anything about Mats Sundin, or anyone else in the spotlight. You sound like the posters who try to sound knowledgeable by rambling on about how he can only play in Canada due to his businesses and investments. As if anyone believes that these people know ANYTHING about Mats Sundin's personal finances and tax situation. Get a life.
  12. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Who is "R E" ?

    I already know that he supports clowns so that's strike #1...

    Cheers.
  13. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Ooops ... hit enter.

    NYI and Phoenix still below minimum as well.

    http://nhlnumbers.com/compare.php?season=0809&type=capspace&order=ASC

    Not sure .... but those are probably the target teams for McMistake. They need the cap hit without having to pay the salary.

    Cheers
  14. Ryan Deyell from Listowel, Canada writes: tsn reporting some dan boyle trade rumours.

    while I commend some of the work that TB has done over the past week or so, who in the heck are they gonna have to play D?

    although boyle was hurt this past season, he's a star D-man - at 6 years & $40 million - not bad - i think a better D-man than than Campbell (8 year, 56.8 mill)
  15. Steve Church from Canada writes: Mats didn't turn this into a circus, the mud-suckers did. Awesome class shown here to make him a guy holding up your better day ... McCabe isn't going to the Isles unless the Leafs buy him out, window closed on June 30th and McCabe might not be in the best of spirits. The Leafs plan for forwards, especially centres, looks weak. If there's anything left in Mats that might swing him to go through another year in Toronto, I hope he taps that, and doesn't read the comments here.
  16. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: R E from Canada writes; Honestly...don't pretend you know anything about Mats Sundin, or anyone else in the spotlight. You sound like the posters who try to sound knowledgeable by rambling on about how he can only play in Canada due to his businesses and investments. As if anyone believes that these people know ANYTHING about Mats Sundin's personal finances and tax situation. Get a life.
    -----------------

    Actually R E it has been published in many many different news sources that he may have reasons (tax/investment/business) wise for staying in Canada.

    As one of those that has suggested he may have a reason for staying in Canada I would suggest you are being a little arrogant about it all aren't you? This is a discussion board.... sharing what you read somewhere else is what it is all about.

    --------------------

    It's obvious Sundin is not in it for the money. There are now ten teams that can't afford him and at least 10 he wouldn't want to go to.

    I'lll stick to my guns... he will play for Toronto or he will retire.

    Cheers
  17. B Fulsom from Menlo Park, United States writes: "While NHL fans coast-to-coast have become worn out waiting for Sundin to make up his mind..."

    Which coasts would those be? Scarborough to Etobicoke?
  18. Ryan Deyell from Listowel, Canada writes: Scot Loucks - nice website @ www.nhlnumbers.com

    so leafs have 18 players signed with 11.317 million left in cap space.

    how many spots to fill?

    are there 22 spots on an active roster? (2 g, 7 d, 13 f)??

    so leafs need 4 spots at just under $3 mill a spot?

    might be tough to sign sundin at these figures (unless kubina and/or mccabe are traded..)
  19. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: B Fulsom from Menlo Park, United States:

    Spot on!

    As you can see, this fan on the right coast is personally on the edge of my seat with all the suspense and drama...

    How is it possible that I will sleep tonight ?

    Cheers.
  20. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Hi Ryan Deyell .....

    You have to remember that the numbers they have signed don't include players that played for the Marlies this past year. At least 2 or 3 of those guys will get a shot. (Williams, Earle and Harrison).

    Most of those guys would be playing for the minimum (around 600k).

    Same site..... check it out. (Team detail etc.) I find it very accurate and use it whenever I am quoting numbers.

    Fletcher has been quoted as saying he wants another forward and another defenseman?? Not quite sure where he is going on the Dman front.... I know he somehow will embarrass McMistake into leaving but he may be shopping both Kubina and White around.

    Still room for Sundin to come back.

    Still betting he will.... just waiting to see who he gets to play with (or without).

    Cheers
  21. R E from Canada writes: No, Scot, it's not arrogant. Its my opinion that all of the speculation about Mats Sundin's personal finances is a pile of crap. Why is his situation any different from any other pro athlete's? Vince Carter had significant business interests in Toronto and left. And if its not about the money, as you said, then why is his tax situation such a concern? The only people who have any real knowledge of the situation are Mats (and he's not talking about it) and his financial advisors/partners (and if they went to the press with true details about a client's financial situation, then they'd be fired). Again, my opinion is that its all crap. You're entitled to your opinion and, though you minimize other people's opinions continuously in these "discussions", I'm entitled to mine.

    (For the record, however, I agree that its Toronto or nothing for him. Don't know why, I just think that).

    Anyway...my point is...Mats Sundin will do whatever the hell Mats Sundin wants to do. If anyone thinks he is taking too long...too bad.

    R Miller, should you be updating your "ilovesidneycrosby.com" website with more pictures of Sid the Kid right about now? Just a word of caution...I heard he likes girls...and he's a bit young for you.
  22. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: B Fulsom from Menlo Park, United States writes: "While NHL fans coast-to-coast have become worn out waiting for Sundin to make up his mind..."

    Which coasts would those be? Scarborough to Etobicoke?
    ======================
    Cute Fulsom.... good shot at being funny. But you need some geography lessons.

    I'm east of Scarborough, Mississauga is west of Etobicoke... and Miller .. who has the most posts here is very very east of civilization.

    Cheers
  23. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: R E; I'm not disagreeing with you. I may well be guilty of starting the rumour as far as these threads go.

    But it was posted based on other sources that were public domain. Share the read if you know what I mean.

    As for the Vince Carter comparison. Well Vince went home to the US of A. Check out the tax laws in Sweden... I believe they are the most taxed country in the world.

    Anyway.... you are correct that it is Sundins' business and not ours.

    Sorry if you think I minimize other peoples opinions.... I will plead guilty to that (as far as both uninfomed opinions and the opinion of people who don't read articles or posts). Oh and Trolls :)

    On some of the other threads people were calling Mats a drama queen, a prima donna, greedy etc. etc. etc.

    IMHO Mats will play for way less money than he could have gotten somewhere else.... as long as the player additions and subtractions from the Leafs appeal to him. If not ... he retires.

    Cheers
  24. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: B Fulsom from Menlo Park, United States:

    Yeah, Fulsom...

    Your comments were way out of line...

    Pickering is, at least, 23.5 miles east of the geographic Centre of the Universe... You almost left Loucks out with your comments.

    Now, please get out your Canadian atlas and magnify the GTA with a microscope until you have got this whole thing clearly figured out...

    Cheers.
  25. D JL from Canada writes: My problem, being a Vancouver supporter, is that if he accepts the contract, will he be "into" the game here. Thinking about retirement, @ the age of 37, but have the option for another 10M in 2 yrs? Take the money, do some work, &...I know he's better that that.

    I think he has the ability to contribute. But will his heart be there? Can he fit into whatever system Van runs?

    Gillies, your job is on the line on this. Your promised a great deal. You may lose a great deal! If he retires, then what? option b..which is?

    No excitement in Van.
  26. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: D JL... he won't play if he can't contribute... not his style. He would retire before taking the money.

    What surprises me more is that Naslund is two years younger than Sundin.... he certainly didn't set a great example for Swedes in Vancouver.

    Oh and Lidstrom is older than both of them.

    Cheers
  27. Patrick Matheson from Canada writes: get a job Sundin
  28. RONNY TALBOT from Yahk BC, Canada writes: ....and in related news, Mr Sundin's agent JP Barry forfeits his deposit on a $3 million dollar view lot overlooking Dinosaur Jump Provincial Park. " The 15% Agency Fee on Mats' salary in Vancouver would have been terrific" stated JP, "but I'll just have to delay my formal foray into Paleontology for a little while longer."
  29. Howard Roark from Whitby, Canada writes: Has there ever been a more self-centered, non-motivated player in history? I would not want Sundin playing for my team. He has some flashes of brilliance, but no drive to win it all. When given the opportunity to play for a contender, it is 'no thanks' every time.

    I wish he would retire and get it over with. I am personally sick of hearing about him.
  30. Larfing Outloud from Virgin Islands (British) writes: This story has gone on for way too long. "Patrick Matheson from Canada writes: get a job Sundin" -- well said.
  31. J W from Canada writes: I've had enough of these headlines every single day for about a week. "Sundin does nothing" "Sundin still does nothing" "Breaking news - Sundin does not make a decision"
  32. Montgomery C. Burns from Springfield, Canada writes: It is getting a little tiring reading about the daily "news" of Mats Sundin.
    Now that he has made an announcement that he is not close to making a decision, perhaps the media will stop writing about him and let him make his decision when he is ready to do so.
  33. Andrew Bisson from Ottawa, Canada writes: Stop dithering Sundin, and make a damn decision. If you really cared about the Maple Leafs like you say you do, you would have agreed to leave earlier so that the Leafs could get some draft picks for you and start rebuilding.
    How long does it take Mats to pick his clothes for the day?
  34. d ipolito from washington dc, writes: it's just a ploy to get the laffs to beg him to come back. he'll play for toronto or retire. hell of a captain, can't make a decision.
  35. j wilson from vancouver, Canada writes: The guy's a UFA. He can sign when and where he wants... sounds like it might be a 35 games season for him, a la Selanne.

    He's also released a statement saying he's not signing right now, basically, saying himself that there is no story here.

    No sure where the prima donna comments are coming from. Sounds like he's done what he needs to do to give the writers nothing. Not his probem if they keep cranking out copy.
  36. Tim Cares from Canada writes: The free agent season is less than 2 days old. How is that dithering or taking his time. He has until he decides or teams decide for him by withdrawing their offers.
    There is no deadline.
  37. JACK V from Canada writes: Instead these teams should give the prima donna a week, then everyone reneg their offers and let him play in SWEDEN. P.S NOT THAT GOOD ./
  38. Nathan Cool from Vancouver, Canada writes: Oh god.. please don't send him here.

    We don't need a washed-up has-been over-priced princess.
  39. EJ Ravensbud from Canada writes: DGL, it must be tough being a Canuck supporter. A perennial underachieving team which soaks the fans at least 100 bucks a ticket. The team reflects its logo - a dead hockey stick.
  40. Jeremy Fewster from Montreal, Canada writes: Here's a small thought experiment for those who like to slag Mats. Imagine that it was Sakic who went to the Leafs, and Mats went on to Colorado with Forsberg, Roy, Bourque etc. Do you really think that Sakic would have won the Leafs the cup (don't get me wrong, I love Sakic), and that Colorado would have fallen flat - due to Sundin? I know it's impossible to say for sure, but chances are that Sundin would be a cup winner inthat scenerio - it's a team sport, and Sundin is the last person to blame for the Leafs lack of success. As for the waffling - I believe he has every right to take as much time as he wants - and I'm sure he understands the risks involved in postponing the decesion. It's not his fault that the Canadian sports media can
    think of anything else to write about. Personally I think he'll be a leaf or he'll retire.
  41. Neil No more last name from Mississauga, Canada writes: 1) HE'S THE NEXT NEIDERMEYER/Selanne.

    2) Too busy doing his drop dead gorgeous fiance

    3) Is hoping the Leafs put together something resembling a competitive team and re-signs with the Buds

    4) Will retire, and is too busy nailing his drop dead gorgeous fiance to hold a press conference.

    Do what you like Mats. Crap take a half year off. I think he does want to play in TO, but is having a hard time justifying it to himself
  42. Neil No more last name from Mississauga, Canada writes: Think of the TO media, andhow much you people complain about them and there constant scrutiny of nothing. Mats Sundin has been their primary target for, oh I dunno, at least 10 years. Think he wants a break from all that crap right now?
    Bet he does

    Think he's considering leaving for a, say, Atlanta - wouldn't suprise me.
  43. Bill Wilkinson from Milton, writes: So Mats, I have never won a thing, Sundin still hasn't made up his mind.

    Who cares?
  44. j q from Canada writes: Mr Wilkinson, three World Championsips and one Olympic Gold Medal.
  45. Sawchuck 30 from Far away from the GTA, Canada writes: EJ Ravensbud from Canada writes: DGL, it must be tough being a Canuck supporter. A perennial underachieving team which soaks the fans at least 100 bucks a ticket. The team reflects its logo - a dead hockey stick.
    ====

    I hope Alanis Morisette sees your post so she can finally understand what the word 'irony' means.

    Although much of what you say is true, at least since 1980 the Canucks have made 2 trips to the Cup finals. During that time the Leafs have been there... well they cam close but were squished 4 games to 0 in '94 by... the Canucks.

    And before one of the mouth-breathers with a maple leaf attooed on his butt mentions it: it's 100% true that the Leafs have cups from prior to 1980, but since they all predate the Canucks being in the NHL that is exactly sweet diddly squat relevant. Since the Canucks entered the NHL they've been to the dance twice more than the Leafs. That's a fact even Hockey Night in Toronto can't erase.
  46. Bill Wilkinson from Milton, writes: Mr. JQ: Those mean absolutely nothing to a Canadian Hockey Fan. Olympic Hockey is a joke and so are the World Championships. We all know the only thing that matters is a Stanley Cup.

    Regards,

    Marion Hossa
  47. EJ Ravensbud from Canada writes: Sawchuck 30, should be Sawchuck 29 (born Dec 28/29) from East Kildonan, Manitoba. As the saying goes, close only counts in horseshoes. You never won and unfortunately never will until you get rid of the dead hockey stick. It is a curse. How can you watch this team? Boring, listless, mind numbing, along with about another 20 teams in the league.
  48. Sandy T. from Canada writes:

    Hey name callers. How does what's going on in this media speculation have anything to do with Sundin? I see him called a prima donna and accused of all kinds of questionable motives, but what you're refusing to accept is... this furor isn't about Mats seeking out the spotlight.

    It's obvious this guy is as honest as the day is long. At season's end he said he would need considerable time to decide whether or not he would even play next year. The little he's said so far when his privacy has been violated is a repeat of that statement. He isn't ready.

    This is the same as the trade deadline fiasco. From day one, Mats said he wouldn't waive his no-trade clause - so naturally, this was followed by fan and media speculation as to where he would go(?) when he "changed his mind". That speculation was followed by fans ands media foaming at the mouth and calling everybody involved - especially Sundin - every kind of name under the sun. When the deadline passed, he hadn't waived his no trade - just as he said at the outset. He was... a man of his word. The fans and media had been acting like a teenager who'd been dumped and wouldn't take "no" for an answer.

    Now, the same thing is happening again and the fans and media are reacting in the same insane way they did before; and of course Mats Sundin - the guy who told them what his intentions were from the beginning and is now doing what he said he would, is somehow the bad guy again. The guy who has to "get a job", who has to "give it a rest", the guy who is a "prima donna", and worse.

    It's as if you'd all be happier if he had been lying to you all this time. Listen up. It isn't Mats Sundin who's writing all these stories, or offering crazy millions of dollars to teams so they will sign him. Nope, he's sitting in Sweden with his bride making the most important decision of his life. Cutting him some slack is the least you could do.
  49. Howard Young from Canada writes: All I can say is the Toronto media owes Sundin a big thanks. He has provided much ink for their quills.
  50. Verona Raven from United States writes: Sundin is another passive self-indulgent hockey player whose number of Stanley Cup APPEARANCES is a testament to his leadership ability.

    If he really cared about winning, he would waived his no-trade contract.

    Loyalty to the Toronto Maple Leafs is about as deep as a puddle. As long as the checks are good, the players are happy. Any loyalty to that franchise went out with Wendel Clark, Salming, and Sittler.
  51. Another Opinion from Toronto, Canada writes: I respect Sundin well enough, and I realize this kind of behaviour isn't unusual in professional sports, but that doesn't stop me from thinking that these guys have no clue what real problems are.

    Here's some multi-millionaire leisurely camping out and "deciding" whether he wants to make millions more in X locale or Y locale. How many of us are even capable of appreciating the kind of freedom he has? How many of us could simply walk away from a winning lottery ticket on the table?

    I'm sure Sundin has things he has to consider, and I'm sure to HIM they're very important, but seriously... I'd submit the reason he's getting grief in these forums is because these issues of his would be pretty much a joke to the rest of us.
  52. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: So what are Sundin's options now? Detroit and New York are out of the picture. There's no reason to go to Vancouver except a fat paycheck. Montreal--if he wants to play again this year--looks like a destination he can be happy with, and his best shot at a Cup. Gainey (who is making some judicious acquisitions and subtractions) is being a real poker player with Mats. Let's see who blinks.
  53. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Montreal and NY both have about 9m left in cap space.
    Vancouver has about 16m but want to resign Morrisson.
    Toronto has about 11m left.
    Ottawa has about 14m left but have to resign Vermette and Mezzaros.
    Florida has about 12m left.

    After that I don't see any destinations that would bring him back to play.

    http://nhlnumbers.com/compare.php?season=0809

    Cheers
  54. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: I am starting to believe he is not going to play next season.

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