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Sundin to make temporary return

ERIC DUHATSCHEK

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 1:17 AM EST 02/09/08

Free-agent centre will play in charity game, but has 'no answer as yet' on whether he'll play in the NHL this season, Eric Duhatschek reports ...Read the full article

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  1. Rex Bradley from Oakville, Canada writes: Charity begins at home. I hope he has enough left to share a little with
    the laffs. Peddie may not be poor at the bank but, he's broke on the ice.
  2. David P from Canada writes: This just in - Mats Sundin wore a blue t-shirt today!
  3. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: will create a media circus

    Biggest understatement of the week.

    Cheers
  4. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: Let the games begin
  5. j wilson from vancouver, Canada writes: A headline worthy of the Enquirer for it's misdirection.
  6. Spiny Norman from Georgetown, ON, Canada writes: Mats returning to T.O. speaks volumes... I'm just not sure what about, exactly. His decision to keep the Leafs front office dangling on the hook seems to indicate that he's more than a little upset with them, though we can only speculate as to why. I think that someone said the wrong thing to ol' Cap'n Mats, possibly more than once, and he's exacting some sort of vengeance via the silent treatment. Obviously it's not about money, both the Canucks and Rangers offers prove that. I don't think his agent is even in the loop, anymore. Whatever his motives, it's a better mystery than you'll find on primetime TV.
  7. gordon foster from Canada writes: I think Sundin might be more justifiably upset with the Canadian media. I was back in Toronto for the first time in three years just this month and saw a copy of Maclean's from last April with the cover story "Why the Leafs Stink". When you consider that Toronto split their season series with Montreal and Ottawa, that has to seem pretty unfair to the captain. If Toronto fans want a better hockey team, they'd better start a little round of self-reflection and ask themselves whether they actually deserve one.
  8. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: You can split a season series with your rivals

    and still miss the playoffs 3 years in a row

    I'll admit Canadian media and Toronto fans are over the top. In regards to Toronto fans - 40 years and counting is a long time, We deserve a better team. We got the biggest minor hockey league in the world in the GTA and the HoF, and yet Detroit up-stages the Leafs regularly for the last x amount of years.

    Our best bet is to stop pouring money into the team, and hope the bottom line scares them into icing a good team.
  9. j wilson from vancouver, Canada writes: You are correct Gordon (although, to be fair, Maclean's has become absolute crap in the last 10 years, so that cover should be taken in stride.)

    Why did the Leafs stink last year?

    Raycroft - 2-9-5 record, 3.92 GAA in 19 games

    Toskela - 33 - 25 - 6 record, 2.74 GAA in 66 games.

    If Toskela had played 10 more games (he was injured for a stretch)or if the backup had been a .500 goaltender, the Leafs would have been seen in a much different light.

    And the Sens wouldnt have made the playoffs.
  10. gordon foster from Canada writes: Neil, I was born and raised in Toronto. I've followed the Leafs all my life and have never ever rooted for another NHL team to win anything. But just one thing might distinguish me from other so-called "fans". I never get angry with the players, or do anything but wish them well. I defended Tie Domi to countless Canadians after he was suspended for taking out Niedermayer. Why? Because he was a Leaf. And Gretzky is not even close to being the best hockey player of all time in my book. Why? Because he was raised in Ontario but never played for the Leafs. Do I think Toronto deserves a better team just because every game is sold out and the only seats I can get in October are across the arena from each other in the high stands? No. I cheer when they win, and mourn when they lose. And when the cup comes home, I'll cry.

    There. Now do you still consider yourself a fan?
  11. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: Sure do Gordon...

    maybe not as fanatical as yourself.

    I am hockey fan as well, and Domi's cheap shot, Maple leaf or not, was still a cheap shot.

    Gretzky is still the best player of all time.

    Carefull Gordon I understand your position well...there are other that may....well...try to rip you a new one.

    Gotta be critical of the home team...theres no point of a dedicated fan such as yourself accepting a mediocre team, no?

    maybe I'm wrong.
  12. Paul Hume from Canada writes: Gorgon, you are quite the fan there. :)
  13. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Madonna is apparently flying in to hang with Mats. It seems she has this thing for hockey players with shaved heads whose names begin with 'M'. Mats may be excused in this case for 'squeezing the stick'.
  14. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: Hey Paul's back

    right on
  15. Allan Martel from Canada writes: This just in -

    Mats had his ticket booked on Zoom and so his arrival is now in doubt.

    DTR says that Madonna has offered her private jet to Mats whose girlfriend has suggested that Madonna cool her jets.

    Meanwhile, ARod feels shafted and might turn to Brittany who has indicated that she's still willing to be Speared.

    Shania is out of this one as Kipling said - ne'er the Twain shall meet.
  16. Paul Hume from Canada writes: Hi Neil,

    I'm just curious as to what Mats is up to. I thought that I missed something.
  17. Ron White from Calgary, Canada writes: Gordon Foster-I must say your blind 'fanmanship' certainly has tainted your sports knowledge. I say this as a fan who remembers in details the win in 1967. However, Gretzky is the greatest, and the Domi hit was dirty and by the way "GO FLAMES GO"
  18. Proud Canadian from Canada, Canada writes: My taking on this whole deal is that the replacement for the Airbus A340-600 the new and upgraded Boeing 777R is all shined up, the tires filled with nitrogen the wing flaps all shined with the best of wax, will be airborn with all the "boat" guys, including Mats along for the free ride. Scheduled landing at Pearson International Airport Wednesday next at 1630 hrs. Captain Alexi Yashin in control, all aboard.
  19. Maatt Daamon from Canada writes: OH YA! GO FLAMES GO!
  20. Jack Simpson from Williams Lake BC, Canada writes: At what point does this become Drama Queen versus Drama Queen ?
  21. John Smith from Canada writes: Sundin aside, it is unfortunate that for what is a charity event, Ticketmaster elects to add a variety of extra charges - about 40% of the price. Ticketmaster once again proving to be a bunch of crooks.
  22. Montgomery C. Burns from Springfield, Canada writes: Don't expect an announcement on Mats's future until after next Friday.
  23. Jude Hannaford from Canada writes: Martel

    How goes the Nightmares franchise? I will be in Newport shortly to check in/bail out. Let me know if you need a jersey, puck, or signed mug shot.
  24. Red Ruffensore from Port Coquitlam, Canada writes: I guess this story qualifies as sports news, does it? Oh by the way, while you were following Mats Sundin around to see what kind of crab dip he had on his crackers at the tournament, Mike Weir - that other Ontario guy, yeah that's right, the golfer - shot a TEN UNDER PAR 61 at the Deutsche Bank/FedEx Cup tournament today. I know that's small potatoes next to Mats Sundin's achievements today, but I just thought I'd mention it. Your sports coverage today is pathetic.
  25. Allan Martel from Canada writes: John Hannaford

    I've arranged visitation rights for you to see the ghost of Harold Ballard at the Newport Correctional Centre. Can you get a picture (mug shot) of you with the ghost and maybe an autograph?

    As to jerseys, the whole team wears the number 13, so any one will do.

    Nicknames are coming up fast: the goalie is "the sieve"; the tough guy is "the wimp"; all the ex leafs on this squad form a singing group - "the whiners" - conducted by Pat Quinn, no less.

    Oh, did I mention that Gary Bettman is the team mascot?
  26. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Red Ruffensore .... you forgot to mention that going into the 17th he was flirting with a 59..... Missed a 60 my centimetres and...

    Had more TV coverage today than he has had since the masters.

    Cheers
  27. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Red Ruffensore...Mats had the garlic blue crab dip with diced pimento. This according to Aktonbladet, the Swedish sports journal, who surmise that his choice of 'blue, white, red' in matters of crab dip rather than the dip with scallions (blue/white/green) suggests the Matsinator is leaning towards Le Canadien rather than the Nucks. He was also spotted at One Hazelton Place lunching with Madonna who is apparently thinking of adopting the moniker 'Matsdonna' in order to snare the Big Swede. The Mop'N'Pail just doesn't bother to report these details, rather shoddy work on their part, eh.
  28. Jason Thorne from Vancouver, Canada writes: Mario Lemieux was the greatest player, not Gretzky as several people mention above.

    As for Sundin, I am hoping he doesn't play in Vancouver.
  29. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: gordon foster from Canada writes: I've followed the Leafs all my life and have never ever rooted for another NHL team to win anything. I never get angry with the players.Why? Because he was a Leaf. And Gretzky is not even close to being the best hockey player of all time in my book. Why? Because he was raised in Ontario but never played for the Leafs. I cheer when they win, and mourn when they lose. And when the cup comes home, I'll cry.

    There. Now do you still consider yourself a fan?

    ----------------------------- Paraphrased by moi. :)

    Well now Gordon.... sigh... you are not a fan... you are a fanatic... and fall into the category of not a hockey fan... just a Leaf fan

    Now if you have watched all the playoff games (without the leafs) over the years... I will take that back.

    Domi screwed up the best game of his life with that elbow on Niedermeyer. (I was there). the Putz.
    Gretzky could have been (and wanted to be) a leaf but management wouldn't sign him because (they didn't need to sell seats).
    Bobby Orr was the best player ever... Gretz second.

    Continued because the globe messes up formatted posts.
  30. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Continued..

    I have been a leaf fan my entire life.... first game I ever saw was when my brother and I got back from England in 62 and watched a game on a square tube that wasn't round and wasn't playing soccer/cricket.

    It was Montreal vs Toronto and I picked the Leafs.... he picked the Habs. I laughed for 5 years... he has laughed ever since

    That said...

    It is necessary to be critical.... first... so you can be critical of other teams... but also because MLSE needs to be told.

    I have season tickets.... sold them all in bulk this year to a fan like you..... was going to give them up totally.

    I like what Fletcher has done and firmlly believe in my glass is half full world that if Sundin came back we would make the playoffs.

    Cheers
  31. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: I will give gordon the benefit of the doubt - he did explain his undying loyalty to Leafs.

    I have to agree with Scot that a true supporter of a club (I refuse to use fan as it is the short form of fanatic) sticks by the club, but can moan, complain and criticize when the club does not live up to expectations.

    I watch hockey, and I am a fan of the sport. While I support the Seantors, my relations support the Leafs. I want my Sens to beat their Leafs, but most importantly - I want to see both clubs (and all clubs) playing to their potential.

    And when I believe a club has got it right or wrong - I will comment.

    As for the story itself of Mats showing up for a charity game in Toronto - I take it as Mats coming back for another year in T.O.
  32. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Mariposa...... or meet his maker and announce his retirement :)

    Me thinks it will be one way or the other.

    Cheers
  33. Henry Allen from East Bank, Don River, Canada writes:
    Gordon, bless his little blue heart, goes on and on about being a true Leafs fan, as though that represents something of which to be proud. I've never understood that kind of blind fanaticism. I love the game of hockey, but I also know that is a business. As a business, a franchise can rightfully earn fan loyalty when it devotes itself to providing the best possible on ice product. Such devotion to top product quality does not define the MLSE Leafs. Rather, MLSE counts on the chauvinistic addiction of people like Gordon to sell its mediocre on ice product. The best response has always been to boycott the product, of course. However, boycotting the Leafs, thanks to fanatics like Gordon, will not succeed in Toronto. As long as addicted fanatics like Gordon live and die by the routine failings of the Leafs, there will be little pressure on MLSE to provide Toronto with one of the best professional teams in hockey. Gordon, you're part of the problem, not the solution.
  34. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: Henry - well said, but I do not agree with boycotting, as it does not work.

    Switching to another product does - as it draws cash away from the enterprise you wish to punish and rewards those willing to provide the service you wish (a long leap of logic here - Leaf fans buy Sabres tickets en masse because Buffalo responds to the desires of the supporters).

    Don't get me started on Balsillie...

    I will throw this out for discussion - the problem with the Leafs is not the personnel with the hockey club, it rests with the corporate structure. While other teams (Senators as example) have one successful and driven individual as the corporate head driving the team to be successful, the Leafs have ... a pension fund.
  35. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Mariposa....

    Your point is well taken..... but the Teachers Pension fund have not owned the Leafs for the last 40 years.

    A friend of mines father in law used to be head Electrician at MLG. He actually went to LA on the private plane in 93... with Fletcher.

    He told me that when MLSE took over and did a budget.... it was all about making the second round of the playoffs. Maximize profit and minimize risk.

    I think if that was made public.... Leaf nation could possibly rise up and start shooting..

    Cheers
  36. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Wow, I bet that that headline got a few pulses going...

    All I have to say to the All Matts, All the Time crowd is here's a "sports" article to give you your fix like the junkies that you are ... :)

    You've certainly earned it !

    Give 'er and Peace...
  37. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: On the other hand, I fully support the fact that the proceeds of this celebrity game will support a charity called the "Right to Play" which sounds a lot like my favorite maxim, "Let the Kids play."

    So have fun and enjoy the game, all.

    Cheers
  38. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Miller...

    Read up about Right to Play.

    First time I saw it on TV I cried.

    So kewl

    I know.. I'm such an old softie :)

    cheers
  39. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Careful, Loucks:

    One of your fellow Maple Matts may accuse you of being "manbigious..." whatever the hell that means....

    Anyways, nothing wrong with crying over this worthy charity.

    Here's a link for any others that might want to check this group out:

    www.righttoplay.com

    Cheers/Good Night !
  40. jake and pete from Canada writes: The "Floater" is coming back for a charity game. He will love this game, no digging the puck out from behind the net, no hits, and no wacks. Perfect Swede style of Hockey.
  41. steve kee from Toronto, Canada writes: While it is great he wants to support the initiative, he has to know that showing up to do anything hockey related in Toronto will make it a media circus.
  42. Andrew Perry from halifax, Canada writes: This just in:

    Mats Sundin had one white and one whole wheat with his half scrambled eggs this morning, no word on butter, jam or marmalade however.
    And they called Paul Martin Mr. Dithers.
  43. Not The Real Jacques Parizeau from Montreal, Canada writes: Jason Thorne from Vancouver, Canada writes: Mario Lemieux was the greatest player, not Gretzky as several people mention above.

    As for Sundin, I am hoping he doesn't play in Vancouver.

    Answer: Well as a Quebecker, for obvious reasons of national pride, I'd like to agree with you. But in all fairness, I still think Gretzky was the best ever. Lemieux was a very close second and he hasn't been surronded with as good players as Gretzky was but Gretzky's vision on ice, his creativity was second to none. No shame to be the best after the great one.
  44. Jeff Smyth from Oakbank, Manitoba, Canada writes: In other news... my neighbor found my son's baseball in his garden.
  45. Penny B from Canada writes: Come on Sundin make up your mind one way or another. Do you want to play hockey or not .Make up your mind if you have one.
  46. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Hockeybuzz reports Sundin and the Habs are talking again and this time Montreal has sweetened the offer. Report goes on to say Rangers can't get it done, Detroit is out, Philly has no cap room, Canucks are not in the mix. Mats is being $mart by playing a waiting game. And the end of the day, Montreal is the only logical choice. We shall see...
  47. Mr. Habs are the best from Canada writes: Please "Dave the Rave", do not wish that loser on the Habs. We are finally moving ahead, we don't need that loser on our team. My wish is for him to play in Toronto.
  48. Hap Stokes from Canada writes: Been days.
    Too long almost forgot wazt his name. It's this Alzheimer thingy.
    Fame is so fleeting, tell me so much more. Refresh me again.
  49. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Andrew Perry from Halifax:

    What about Salt and Pepper ?

    C'mon.... We want ALL the details here !

    Cheers
  50. dan vanman from Canada writes: WOW...you guys are funny...a couple things...

    It strikes me as hilarious the moaning and crowing on this thread about how "I am a true Leaf fan" because of the amount of suffering. Please. Canucks fans have had that on and off throughout the life of the team.

    Gordon...you are a fan. Don't let these guys tell you otherwise. Maybe not the brightest fan...but you deserve something for the time and effort.

    We have an owner out here that wants to win badly...same as in Ottawa. It is making a difference...but slowly.

    Its all about the players. Thats why a 37 year old can command such a number of teams wanting him.

    Why you guys can say after a charity game is announced ( and one that he committed to last year, Mariposa), that he will be back for a year because he'll be at that game is hilarious.

    BTW...why do you guys keep dissing the Canucks? DTR says they are not in the mix because he read something on Hockeybuzz ( nothing more than a few bloggers opinions)

    Until Mats says he isn't coming here, I have about 3 million more reasons than a Leafs fan to believe he is coming here.

    Peace.

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