Mats Sundin: Mr. Toronto Maple. Captain Mats. The face of the Leafs. Some dislike him, but most adore him. Toronto fans... it is quite possible that our big Swedish hero will be leaving us next year. Bob Gainey, GM of the Montreal Canadians has already expressed interest to travel all the way to Sweden to negotiate with Sundin and Sundin himself has stalled, awaiting better deals - although GM Cliff Fletcher has already offered him a 7-million 1-yr deal.
Clearly, Sundin's representatives have been busy. They have sought out the New York Rangers, and may even be willing to talk to Gainey. Also, although the chance is slim, Sundin may choose to retire.
So we are left with two scenarios:
Will Sundin leave Toronto or will he stay?
Sundin leaves:
Will always be remembered as a Leaf, who left for one season to be on a winning team (possibly the Stanley Cup?). Will NOT be booed when he faces the Leafs - we have too much respect for him. Toronto will be free to start fresh and rebuild around a new, perhaps stronger leader.
Sundin stays:
Sundin will be a part of the rebuilding program - once again, sacrificing himself for the organization (he has offered to lower his contract to try and get good players for the Leafs, and called free agents/possible new players and attempted to persuade them to join Toronto). And he will be showered with glory and recognition as the man who 'stuck with his team to the bitter end'.
Either way, Sundin, I believe is in a good position. If he leaves, fans will not turn on him, and if he does not leave, fans will love him even more. But what does Sundin want? Every player - at least they say so - wants to win the Stanley Cup (THAT is the main purpose). Sundin, has to do what is best for him - he must push aside everyone else and do what he must do.
Clearly, I am biased as I greatly respect Sundin. But, personally, I think it's best for him to move on.
Please post something, it'd be really nice to hear from you guys.
Kelvin
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2 comments:
There's only two scenarios, he either re-signs with the leafs, or he retires.
This is why I think this, first of all, if Sundin was really loyal, to the Leafs he would have accepted a trade, to help the rebuilding process of the Maple Leafs, instead he decides not to. Understand that he was in his last year of his contract, he could always re-sign with the team July 1st, like most rental players. Now if he leaves for free agency now to another team, a lot of Leaf fans would lose respect for him because of him being selfish or being a hypocrit. If he is as loyal to the leafs as he said he is he has to remain a Leaf, whether retire as one or re-sign in order to save face.
I agree, if Sundin was truly loyal to the Leafs he would at for a Stanley Cup contender a time where the Leafs would at least gain something from it. Though I would've preferred that he'd left before the trade deadline I respect his decision to join a team from the start however in order to gain some key draft picks, i think he should leave now before the July 1 deadline to Montreal and gain the Leafs some possible younger players or prospects. Though I do recognize that would be almost almost sacrilegious it could still help the Leafs rebuild.
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