TIM WHARNSBY
From Wednesday's Globe and Mail Published on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008 10:12PM EST Last updated on Tuesday, Mar. 31, 2009 9:11PM EDT
Mats Sundin's agent said yesterday that the sale of his client's Toronto home has no connection to which team the 37-year-old free-agent forward will sign with if he decides to resume his NHL career.
Sundin went to California earlier this month to step up his training and determine whether he wants to return to play an 18th NHL season.
The former Toronto Maple Leafs captain put a For Sale sign on the front lawn of his swanky Toronto mansion in May of 2006, and more than 21/2 years later, the place finally sold for $5.7-million. Sundin bought the home in the Forest Hills neighbourhood for $1.7-million five years ago, and extensively renovated it.
"The home in Forest Hills was always something he intended on selling for the right price," agent J.P. Barry said yesterday. "This is the second home he has built and sold in Toronto. It has nothing to do with his decision-making process regarding where he might play this year."
Toronto remains one of the clubs interested in Sundin's services and still has a $7-million (U.S.) no-trade contract offer on the table.
The Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks are also interested but the Leafs and Canucks are the only two that would not have to rework their roster to add the talented centre.
Sundin is training daily, following the program he has employed in recent off-seasons. He has not resumed skating yet, but Barry expects him soon to add on-ice conditioning sessions. Sundin likely would not be ready to return until next month at the earliest.
"Mats is working out daily with the intention to resume playing," Barry said. "Of course, if he doesn't like the way his workouts are progressing or determines his level of commitment isn't where it should be as things progress, he could still decide not to play this year."
While in Southern California, Sundin has met with Canucks general manager Mike Gillis, as well as Anaheim GM Brian Burke.
Toronto GM Cliff Fletcher said a week ago that he will approach Sundin only when he proclaims himself ready to resume his NHL career.
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