Skip navigation

 Login or Register | Member Centre

Sundin shrugs off Wilson's salvo

DAVID SHOALTS

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 8:49 AM EST 09/09/08

New Maple Leafs coach says blown third-period leads last season 'a direct reflection on leadership,' David Shoalts reports ...Read the full article

This conversation is closed

  1. bilbo baggins from Canada writes: Wilson is right that is why Sundin kept his mouth shut. Also, that he doesnt care anymore is pretty evident.
  2. Steven Ferguson from Canada writes: Bilbo, I disagree with respect to Sundin's leadership. I think he did a good job lastyear and over the years. Tucker on the other hand was rather a wild one, not leadership material. I think McCabe tried his best, but his on ice sporatic play and off ice loss of the fan's respect limited him. Kaberle is a solid player, but no leader. That the team looks to a young and only average talent like Stajan for leadership shows that the leadership void is large.

    I do however agree regarding Sundin's declining interest in Toronto. I would be pleased but very surprised to see him back on the Leafs.
  3. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    More tough messages being sent by Wilson (remember the Tucker story?). It seems the "Let's be Nice" days may have come to an end...........

    1) By taking a DIRECT shot at Sundin, he sends the message that no one is above the TEAM, and that he is the BOSS, and that there is going to be a HUGE accountability factor this year!

    2) The only way a coach can challenge a player today, is to go public and challenge their pride--if they have any. In 2008, the athletes make huge money. You can't sit the elite, you can't send the elite to the AHL, so you challenge their pride...publically, and hope they react to the challenge.

    Have a look at a Denis Savard, Black Hawks head coach 1 minute press conference.....maybe it's time a Leafs coach does the same!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gM6REx3NVY

    THAT is what was missing with nice fella Maurice, and probably nice fella Ferguson! Too nice!
    .
  4. Allan Martel from Canada writes: Wow - another non story about the Leafs. Tune in next week when the Zamboni crew tells it like it is!!
  5. Mr. Habs are the best from Canada writes: I could not agree more with Wilson on this. Sundin is the most over rated player in history. No leadership, totally lame.
    Good analysis by Wilson........
  6. ROMAN WITIW from Sault Ste Marie, Canada writes: The leafs needed a change for changes sake,not finger pointing which will only hurt the team more this year. There are many possible canidates for leaders on this team , but more importantly there has been a infusion of heart with the new players aquired the competiveness on this team has increased along with a big upgrade in size,Tucker, Wellwood,McCabe, all small for there respective postions.With Wilson running the show the team defence will be upgraded substantially. Let the season start and lets see the results,maybe not stanley contenders yet but diffently more competive and smart.
  7. Kevin Cochrane from virden,mb., Canada writes: One thing is for sure, Ron Wilson looks able to supply lotsa fodder for constantly-starvin-for-a-story sportswriters in Hogtown. One thing is for certain, there hasn't been solid team leadership there since Gilmour was traded.
  8. f c from Canada writes: For such a terrible team, it is sad that the only true player on the team gets trashed. Give mea break. This team will need four to five years to rebuild. Stajan as Captain......lets make it ten years! Bring in a real telent and give him the C. There is no leader on that team now. Why start the process with some guy who has failed the task before he starts and then trade him after he falls under the pressure. I hope that Wislon is smarter than that.
  9. Rene L from Somewhere, Canada writes: You have to love Toronto... buddy spends 13 years with the organisation, holds a few team records, was always a class act and yet you can't help but get the impression that he was run out of town ( regardless of Fletcher/Wilson's empty words to the contrary ). The Leafs management just didn't handle this situation very well at all... again.
  10. Not The Real Jacques Parizeau from Montreal, Canada writes: Isn't it clear for everybody now that Mats Sundin is not a leader. His behaviour made it abundantly clear that his approach to the game is a casual one. This guy is there to pile up good stats that's all he cares about. Winning at all costs is of no importance to him. Consider that Sundin said last year that he never enjoyed more playing hockey than in the last three years when the Leafs missed the playoffs. And last year he refused to waived his no-trade clause saying he doesn't believe in the rental player concept because he wants to be part of the journey from day one. And now he may be joining a team in mid-season. I'll tell you what I think. Sundin will get ready for next to play in hte Olympics in Vancouver which will be his farewell tour. Sundin has only shown grit when he was wearing a Sweden jersey. Winning on the international stage for Sweden is what matter to him not winning a Stanley Cup. Of course Sundin is smart enough to say all the right things but in fact missing the playoffs three consecutive years at his age suits him perfectly. I don't believe one second he loves Toronto so much. He's only taking advantage of Leafs fans incredible naivety. Why do you think the Quebec Nordiques traded him for Wendel Clark fourteen years ago ? Because they knew with a guy like him in the dressing room, they'll never win anything. And a few years after the get rid of him they've won the cup in Denver. Wake-up Leafs fans.
  11. Pete H from Canada writes: I still remember Pierre Paget barking in Sundin's ear for disappearing from the Nordiques during their last year of their playoffs. All talent no leadership and no guts when the going gets tough . Perfect fit for Toronto. Hopefully that all changes.
  12. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: Not the Real Jacques Parizeau from Montreal.

    yes I'm sure the reason the Avs won the cup was solely because they got rid of Sundin...good reasoning...that little Lindros trade that went on ther, didn't have any impact.

    But You're right, ohh so right...I've been wrong for so long that it hurts. I'm so naive when it comes to hockey, I'm from trawnna - please speak master.

    Your infinite hockey IQ puts us Torontonians to shame, I bow my head in worship...I will listen/follow/worship the great Parizeau from now on.

    ......

    Your bitter, biased, uninformed rants have no place here.

    .....

    okay so maybe they do.

    .......

    Neil no more says - remember kids, just because you have a different opinion from someone on a trivial matter like Sports...doesn't make you better then them. Let's keep that in mind this upcoming hockey bloggin season.
  13. bilbo baggins from Canada writes: These guys get paid millions to play. If the team sucks, then it is pretty irrelevant how they play as individuals. When you are the captain and your team stinks, then hard to be in admiration of the leadership skills.

    It was clear to me last year that Sundin a) Didnt want to win because he turned down opportunity to go to a shot at the cup b) doesnt have loyalty to the Leafs as they could have got something for him. It seems like he knew the fire was out and didnt want to be disingenuous to go somewhere in the playoffs where expectations would be high.
  14. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: Pete H - that 20 year old Sundin in Quebec is a lot different than the one who captained the Leafs.

    Ron Wilson is making a bad move here- Sundin was well respected by his teammates, and Wilson is not building good rapport with this team by
    trashing the former captain, regardless of what his opinion is. The guys left on this team, that played with Sundin, wouldn't second Wilson's comments.

    He can tear a strip off of whoever he wants, that's on this team right now, but time to move forward...why mention the past and players' who've moved on.

    They're giving him the broom out of town. not cool.

    side note: You outsiders really think you got us pegged, eh...
  15. Art Vandelai from Burlington, Canada writes: The thing is, Wilson was right on with his commentary about the team.

    Take away Raycroft's miserable 2-14 record, and a few of their many late third period chokes and you have a team that would have easily made the playoffs with the talent they had on the roster last season.

    Better coaching would have helped the team to not squeeze their sticks so hard when closing out games. That's the lack of leadership Wilson;s referring to.
  16. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: I'll believe Maurice wasn't a good leader for the Leafs... maybe for a younger squad.
  17. Not The Real Jacques Parizeau from Montreal, Canada writes: @ Neil No more last name from Canada

    Neil, I'm not bashing Toronto or the Leafs fans. All I'm saying is Sundin is a fraud. You guys are in a rebuilding period. Why would you like to get Sundin back in the first place ? For Sundin to help you move to the 10th position in the east and loosing your chances to draft Tavares ? And why would a soon to be 38 year old like Sundin would like to come back with a team that is clearly in a reconstruction mode ? What I suspect is that Sundin will come back with the Leafs when he's ready to do so in order to get ready for the olympics. In other words, he'll use to leafs one more time to his selfish advantage. I'm sorry Neil but Sundin is one of the european players that I just don't trust. And don't interpret this comment as if I was oppose to Euro players. I like them a lot but I don't believe in Sundin's sincerity.
  18. David Browne from Toronto, Canada writes: It's the management and ownership that is responsible for the failure of this franchise. Attempts to deflect this responsibility by laying the blame at one or two players, only shows that the Leafs are still not prepared to turn a new leaf in the history of the team. Until these factors change, we can only look to more of the same futility.
  19. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: Not The Real Jacques Parizeau from Montreal, Canada writes: ...He's only taking advantage of Leafs fans *incredible naivety* and you later go on to ask us to "Wake-up"

    Jacques - read David Browne from Toronto...he has it way more accurate than you'll ever imagine. This isn't about Sundin's commitment to the Leafs - this is about the organization sweeping him out of town.

    Further, I disagree - I think what you said in your first post was - Wilson is right Sundin is not a leader, that's why Quebec traded him, Leafs fans are naive for believing otherwise.

    not...Why would you want him back? he's 38, has no place on a rebuilding team. I dont' think that's what your first post alluded to at all. not even close.

    cont...
  20. L. W. from Greener Pastures, Canada writes: Wilson may have been right, but there comes a time when a coach is best keeping his mouth shut. That one small statement could turn the dressing room against him. When coming in as a new coach, the last thing you want to do is dwell on yesterday. A new coach is best sweeping with a new broom. Hit them hard for what HE wants them to do.
  21. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: The only thing your 1st and 2nd post had in common was that Sundin would next play hockey in 2010 for Sweden.
    In your second post you elaborate - he'll return to Toronto to use them to get preapred for the Olympics - which is a wild conspiracy theor and purely speculation in your own head.

    If you have nothing against European players- I'm sure you love Kovalev - then why did you define Mats Sundin as such...if you have nothing against them then he's just another player, not one of those european players.

    I'm tired of this. What were looking at is an inept organization. MLSE is a mess - their the new boss just like the old boss, and the old boss before.

    I think we can agree that MLSE is a mess, and that after a few years in turmoil the Habs, ownership and mgm't structure has got it right, right now (i'm assumingyour a Habs fan - feel free to blast me if I'm wrong)

    So my problem is with blaming individual players, nevertheless Sundin who in my opinon was the least of the team's worries over the years, for the teams lack of success.
  22. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: Anyways - I'm being a little over the top, I'll admit.

    i still have a beef with making this about Sundin's ineptitude.....If were talking about problems with the Maple Leafs, let's start at the root of the problem - the mgm't and ownership -that's where the real ineptitude lies...not the players per se...nevertheless Sundin who has done a fine job as Leaf captain...just ask every Leaf fan's favourite (one of) captain - Doug Gilmour
  23. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: L. W. from Greener Pastures

    exactly
  24. Not The Real Jacques Parizeau from Montreal, Canada writes: Neil No more last name from Canada writes: I think we can agree that MLSE is a mess, and that after a few years in turmoil the Habs, ownership and mgm't structure has got it right, right now (i'm assumingyour a Habs fan - feel free to blast me if I'm wrong) Answer: Neil, you're obviously right when you say that the root of the leafs problems start with ownership and management. People like Richard Peddie has harmed this organization in an incredible way (on the ice, not on the bottom line which is very healthy). And to be honest I'm not sure how much blame John Ferguson should take for this mess as I'm not 100% he was having carte blanche. There was probably a lot of interference in the team's hockey operations from Peddie and Tanenbaum. But JFJ might just be a very convenient scapegoat rather than being the real culprit we'll never know. However, this thread was about Mats Sundin that's why I didn't comment on management. And yes I love Kovalev when he wants to play like last year. And I absolutely love Ovechkin and Kovalchuk to name a few. Those I don't like are the Alexei Yashins of the world. As for Sundin, I recognize is incredible talent. But the question is not there. I've always doubt his commitment to win. I've never felt he is the kind of guy who would take a bullet for the team. I'm sorry I can't come up with a better expression as I know the choice of word is bad but I'm sure you know what I mean. I've seen Bon Gainey playing with two dislocated shoulders for the Canadiens, Patrick Roy coming out of the hospital and winning a series against Boston, Ryan Smyth picking up one of his teeth on the ice and contunue to play. I just don't feel Sundin is that kind of guy. I don't see any fire in his eyes, any grit or any rage to win. I've never seen him really pissed off or bothered after a defeat. One more thing, the only time when I saw him playing with a burning desire to win was when he played for his national team. That's it it's nothing personal.
  25. Ron Alder from Canada writes: So Wilson says that the Leafs lacked the leadership and that he would welcome Sundin back to the team. Thus he managed to confuse everyone and most likely himself as well.

    And if his comments help Sundin decide not to stay with the Leafs, that pretty much guarantees there will be no leadership on the team in the coming season.
  26. Martin J Holt from Halton, Canada writes: If Sundin is such a bad leader why was he the first player to
    receive The Mark Messier Trophy for Leadership during The Stanley
    Cup finals this past June???
  27. Captain Ontario from Canada writes: Sundin is no Clark or Gilmour,

    but he was a leader.

    Wilson looks about 70 years old already.

    After all those failures over the past 11 years...

    He won't last 2 years in Leafland.
  28. Alexander Slimnich from Canada writes: Umm.. do the Leafs not want Sundin to return now? Why would you trash a player you're trying to convince to come back to your team?
  29. Captain Ontario from Canada writes: Wilson is a "company man" and that's why Fletcher hired him.

    Wilson was told to do this.

    Leafs don't want him back. They want to lose a lot, for the draft, with no expectations.

    Wilson will serve his master Fletcher well and then get dumped next year when the expectations rise.

    Wilson is within 2 years of being out of the NHL.

    I expect he's reading this and knows it's true.

    Howard Berger.
  30. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: Wilson is a joke and has little class. There was absolutely no reason to come out with such comments. All of those leaders are no longer with the team so there was no message to pass.
  31. g h from Canada writes: I agree with you Pat Billings. (First time ever!).
    I'm surprised no one has pointed out that when it comes to lack of leadership and late period (or late season) chokes, that Ron Wilson lives in a glass house. He couldn't get it done with a talent laden team in San Jose. With a talent-shallow team like the Leafs, I have very modest expectations for this team.
  32. gabriel oak from Canada writes: Hockey leadership? Personified in Bobby Clark, Messier, Bobby Baun, Howe, Ted Lindsay for example. Telling signs? Absolutely HATED to lose. Never a post-game shrug or excuse. Take no prisoners. Fire in the eye. Every game a Friday nite Smack-down. Play hurt, fatigued & sometimes hung over. And Sundin personifies these hardrock features?? Gimme a break!
  33. Runnin Rebel from United States writes:
    Its what Ron Wilson did best as a player and coach flap his lips and accomplish zilch.
  34. SY GIL from Canada writes: If Kaberle was also part of the leadership problem as he had his worst season, then should he not be dealt as well while there's still some market value?
  35. Carl Baldin from Canada writes: Wilson is a 1st class jerk and will fit in well with the Leaf organisation. They will continue to be at the bottom of the standings, particularly due to Ronnie's attitude and negativity.
  36. Link Hogbrow from Canada writes:

    I think Wilson needs to shut up and coach.
  37. King and Bay from London UK, Canada writes: Only in Toronto could Stajan ever be considered as a potential captain.

    Christ almighty, he's done absolutely nothing as a Leaf. Comparing Stajan to the great Leaf's captains...is an insult to those who wore the 'C.'

    Kaberle is likely now the longest serving Leaf. Or Cujo.

    Luved the Savard youtube clip. There's a guy with hockey in his blood.
  38. Not The Real Jacques Parizeau from Montreal, Canada writes: Thanks for Savard's video. Watch this one from Michel Therrien a few years ago when he took over the Penguins from Ed Olczyk. Exactly the kind of the the Leafs need and Ron Wilson will provide just that.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agL3NHgb8Rk
  39. mike h from Canada writes: IMO someone who dithers and dithers, and can't make up their minds, is never a good leader. We can see now that Sundin is a dither'er. While I don't think that is the main reason why the Leafs are the Laughs, I think it is a contributing factor.
  40. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Sundin's not going back to the Leafs. Montreal appears to be ready to sign Shanahan. Mats can kick back and join the Rangers around Christmas when Sather's cleared up some cap space. Let's play hockey already!
  41. belsize park from United States writes: so..the new guy starts off by blaming sundin? way ta go ronnie... you're right back in the same mould as all the rest... no ownership, no management, trade the good guys, pee on the rest...
    you're gonna do well...(for 2 years that they will also miss post season)
    matts..run for your life
    stajan shud run too
  42. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Ummm.... Wilson has it just about right if you ask me....

    And if these idiotic twenty something year old players had any brains, they wouldn't contradict anything that their new coach says...

    Unless they want a one way ticket to the Marlies, that is....

    Cheers
  43. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada:

    Best post of the entire thread @ 8:30 AM on 06/09/08...

    Spot on !

    Gainey pulled this exact same stunt with Alex Kovalev two years ago by publically demanding more from the guy on the ice...

    Some players respond to it and play better hockey while some others join Pokerstars instead...

    Cheers
  44. Steve Gibbons from Calgary, Canada writes: Wow, way to encourage arguably the most talented C in leafs history to come back and maybe provide leadership to what's going to be a minor league team. Sundin deserves better than the leafs. The guy is a horse and took an overachieving team further than they would have ever got without him.
    Anybody remember when Sundin was called soft in the playoffs because of the losses to the Devils. Yeah that lasted all of two years and then the guy toughened up huge.
    I'm not a Leafs fan by any stretch but the guy indiviually made the Leafs a top 10 team for 6 years. Seeing him get this negative press and treatment is depressing. You don't want him? We'll take him out here in Calgary in a second. We might not pay him the 10 mill the Canucks are offering though. Wake up Toronto and give the guy the space, time, and the respect he deserves.
  45. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Yes, wake up Toronto...

    Stand up for your new coach to try to build your T-E-A-M !!!

    Please note that there is no "I" in TEAM although there is one in Sundin...

    Cheers
  46. Flinton Rice from Toronto, Canada writes: But Miller - you can't spell SUCCESS without U and Sundin not only has a U but it also starts with SU. And, of course, when I say we can't spell SUCCESS without U, I don't mean without you. We can definitely spell success without you.

    Perhaps Wilson wasn't taking a shot at Sundin as much as he was taking a shot at Maurice. Third period losses, in my mind, are very much coaching losses. It is definitely true of basketball and football in the fourth quarter and even baseball in the ninth. But, I would think Canadians would disagree and point it at Sundin.

    f c hit it dead on. Sundin is the only good player on team and to trash him is a bit silly. And yes, I am saying that Kaberle did not play well last year - which he didn't. Although everyone is pro-Kaberle, he is good but his -8 from last year doesn't lie. When Sundin is on top with 17 and Kaberle is in the bottom fifth on the LEAFS - I think Kaberle is getting a free pass a little too easily.

    Hey - maybe the shot was actually at Kaberle.
  47. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Flinton Rice from Toronto, Canada:

    Can you please remind us about all those Hart trophies and Stanley Cups that your SUccesful Captain has wrought on your T-E-A-M ?

    Funny that suckers also starts with SU ...

    Cheers
  48. Steve Church from Canada writes: Wilson lost ground before the season started, and he's gonna need some fan sympathy before this course is done. He picked on locker-room leadership - the same locker-room leadership Paul Maurice said was their best asset. As noted above, it makes Wilson look like a company pull-ring doll. If leadership was a problem then, wait till they look at it with Sundin, McCabe, and Tucker, gone. 'Captain Blake' should really put some giddyup in the leadership role, eh? If pull-rings are on sale, hand out some to the insulting posters here dissin' Sundin. He's a lock for 1st-ballot HoF. And T.O. chased him out of town - after three attempts.
  49. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: The point here is that the past is the past...

    Forget about it, it's over ....

    Move on !

    Cheers
  50. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Just reported in the Montreal french papers that Sundin was in Montreal over the weekend and the Gainey office confirmed the meeting. Nothing else!

    Don't tell me I scooped the G&M and Shoalts! LOL!.
  51. belsize park from where's England?, United States writes: the deal with the leaf's never changes... just ask Lanny what it's like to be loyal...or Davey...or the Big M...or Mats...
    run for your lives!!!(and careers boys!!!)
  52. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada:

    You not only scooped the G&M and Shoalts...

    You stuck to the actual facts...

    Well done again !

    Cheers
  53. max from edmonton from Canada writes: Art Vandelai from Burlington, Canada writes: The thing is, Wilson was right on with his commentary about the team.

    Take away Raycroft's miserable 2-14 record, and a few of their many late third period chokes and you have a team that would have easily made the playoffs with the talent they had on the roster last season.

    Better coaching would have helped the team to not squeeze their sticks so hard when closing out games. That's the lack of leadership Wilson;s referring to.
    ******************************************************
    Pretty funny post.

    If only our goalie didnt go 2-14, and we didnt gas so many third period lead we would have made the playoffs!

    You pretty much described every team in the NHL that missed the playoffs.

    Has less to do with leadership, and more to do with an all around bad hockey team.

    Art, maybe your posts would be better if you weren't "squeezing your mouse" so hard ;-))

    Did I Mention the Oilers would have made the playoffs if they had won more often too? What a coincidence!
  54. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:
    Scooped again-lol

    Gainey in NL today:

    But he surprised the fans when, with a half-smile he offered, "But before you do, I should tell you I had a nice two hours with Mats Sundin in Toronto yesterday (Saturday). You people are the only ones who know that right now."

    The room erupted in laughter...A fan said, "I've got two questions. The first one is, what did Sundin say?" To which Gainey deadpanned, "Second question? "

    Gainey said he has no concerns about Sundin's physical ability to play hockey this year. He's big and strong and can be ready to hit the ice pretty quickly. But Gainey described Sundin's "emotions" as being the problem. He talked about Sundin's state of mind, and about how the big Swede isn't sure he still has the level of passion he'd need to sustain him through another long NHL season. And he spoke of Sundin's difficulty in mentally leaving the team for which he played the majority of his 17-year NHL career behind.

    As for the Canadiens' offer?

    "He's interested," Gainey said. "I told him to make a decision. I said, if you feel like you want to retire, then retire. But if you're not sure, you should play and the emotion will come."
    .
  55. Patricia Timms from Canada writes: All the good up and coming NHL teams and Shoalts only writes about one of the very WORST NHL teams for the last 5/6 years. Shoalzie; look at the Black Hawks, TB, Philly, Wash, maybe even the Bruins but certainly the Habs, Sens and Penguins. I know the West is too far AWAY from the C of U Shoalts, but take a gander at that Goal Scoring Machine off the young Kings. All they need is a very FAT 800 lb goal tender to totally plug the net, and the Cup is back in LA again. Ever look at the Coyotes Shoalts? Wayne G. has a kid there that never even played Major Jr, but I'll wager that kid will win the Calder over Stamkos in 2009. The young Coyotes CUBS are play-off bound for sure. My Canucks need Luongo and a miracle not to wind up last. The Flames are a very well rounded team. TOUGH TOO!--But my money is on those exciting Oilers. That team is going to make a lot of NEW fans this year. Maybe even you Shoalts. But the Sharks and the Ducks are still the best in the world again this year. Off course you know about Detroit don't 'cha Shoalts? That's 16 teams listed above Mr Shoalts--Every last one of the Sweet Sixteen superior to your team from TORONTO. I could of listed two dozen, but didn't want to make you cry. And Matts Sundin is a CLASS ACT--Even if he doesn't play for our Canucks. Even if he didn't play Big Time sports period! He would still be a classy guy and great to have a beer with.
  56. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: If you're gonna call out players, make sure they still play on your team, eh
  57. Neil No more last name from Canada writes: Patricia Timms - you're right, but...

    Shoalts is the Leafs beat reporter for the Globe and Mail...why is it only the Leafs have a beat reporter at the Globe and Mail...???

    Anyone's guess
  58. keith smith from Canada writes: The problem with the Leafs in the last 3 years was the lack of PLAYERS!

    A coach whose teams have nosedived in the playoffs three years in a row should know something of failed leadership, so you got me on that one.

    With this shot across the bow, Wilson has pushed Sundin into a Montreal uniform. That's ok though because we're rebuilding.

    It will be interesting to see what kind of year Sundin will have in Montreal, they have some interesting players there.
  59. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: R Carriere from Maritimes, Canada:

    Thanks for that scoop.

    Gainey usually doesn't talk to the press without a very good reason to do so.

    It's well past time that the Leafs start to rebuild for their future.

    This year is the Habs' 100th anniversary.

    Cheers
  60. garlick toast from Canada writes: Gainey should offer that he only has to play against Toronto.
  61. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    R Miller from Halifax, Canada: Brewskies one day? Gainey is a class act and I'll tell you why one day........I'm 35 minutes from the Trangle or Economy shoeshop....

    Can't wait for Proline.....I mean the NHL season to start! Love the Proline NFL! They have gone down to a minimum of "2" games this year. Wonder if the NHL Proline will do the same?

    Go Caps and Habs!
    .
  62. Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes:
    Sundin is a gentleman of the character of Jean Beliveau ... if Sundin had a Beliveau's team behind him he would have the same legend. A shot at someone of with the makeup of these two players will be responded to by players who have been picked for loyalty and competitiveness. The likes of Peddie interference in the MLH organization has been the problem.
    Knowledgeable hockey GMs would love to have Sundin on their team for a couple of years.
  63. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: R Carriere from Maritimes:

    I already know that Gainey is a complete class act...

    Sundin would be very well served by Gainey's kind of leadership and direction. In my opinion, Sundin would also fit in well with the current makeup of the Habs and would likely give the Habs a legitimate shot at Stanley in the near future... a win - win situation for both parties.

    However, there are also a few other guys out there who would also do so. Thus, I think that it would be wise for Mr. Sundin to arrive at this decision fairly promptly

    And I rarely pass on an offer for a drink or meal at either of those fine Halifax establishments...

    I still have your e-mail address and will be in touch one day...

    I also have my Habs-Bruins tickets for the Halifax Metro Centre on September 22...

    Cheers
  64. garlick toast from Canada writes: If the Habs get Sundin, they'll be in the finals.
  65. slapdash dapoint from trawna, Canada writes: "Ron Wilson, the Leafs' new head coach, made headlines a couple of days ago when he said the Leafs lacked leadership among the players for the past three years. "

    -- YAY WILSON!!!

    "Fletcher and Wilson have both said they would welcome Sundin back if that is what he decides."

    -- BOO WILSON!!

    come one, you can't fire one off like that - a true, uncontestable statement - and then backtrack. i don't care if he was including mccabe, tucker, and kabs in that statement. sundin wore the C, is now being a child (boo hoo i'm 37, i've earned the right to make my own choices, blah blah blah), and doesn't even try to refute the comment or stick up for his team.

    stajan, on the other hand, while significantly less experienced than sundin takes a shot at being a leader by sticking his nose out there.

    wilson: 1
    stajan: 0.5

    go leafs!!

Comments are closed

Thanks for your interest in commenting on this article, however we are no longer accepting submissions. If you would like, you may send a letter to the editor.

Report an abusive comment to our editorial staff

close

Alert us about this comment

Please let us know if this reader’s comment breaks the editor's rules and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.

Do not use this to complain about comments that don’t break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.