Sundin Headed to Free Agency

[DraperFan MN 0]

He didn't want to win the cup as a rental. He said that over and over again. He said if was going to win the cup, he wanted to be with the team at the start of the season. Not ride their coattails to victory.

*cough* Raymond Borque *cough*

[Reds4Life 51]

*cough* Raymond Borque *cough*

Bourque won his Cup after playing full season for Avalanche.

[9-HoweFan 2]

I wonder how he'll look in a Ducks uniform?

Like an a**hole, just like every other Ducks player.

[SweWings 45]

If I wake up to a 'Detroit signs Sundin to a 1-year deal'-headline anytime in the next few days I'm probably going to go completely insane...

Edited June 29, 2008 by SweWings

[MacK_Attack 108]

I honestly think Sundin will NOT sign with the Habs or Toronto.

I think we're the best bet after that. Can't wait to find out!

Apparently, Sundin's first choice is the Rangers.

[Reilly 24]

Bourque won his Cup after playing full season for Avalanche.

...after not winning the cup as a rental the season before.

[rage 24]

Didn't Zetterberg say pretty much that Sundin isn't coming here?

[MacK_Attack 108]

Didn't Zetterberg say pretty much that Sundin isn't coming here?

Zetterberg said he thought Mats would re-sign with the Leafs, and that really doesn't seem like the case.

[chrisdetroit 189]

What are you smoking dude? Half your posts on this board are made just to goad other posters into arguments you cant win.

Youre an idiot if you think signing Sundin to a one year deal when we have close to a third of our cap space remaining is even remotely similar to Pittsburgh trading Esposito, Christensen, Armstrong, and a 1st. Not only do we give up NOTHING other than money, but it would also have ZERO effect on our ability to retain core players, both now, and in the following year.

I'm responding to your sarcastic comment about Holland not spending all of his cap money. Go back and read my previous posts before you make a statement like that.

[chrisdetroit 189]

Like an a**hole, just like every other Ducks player.

I think I'm gonna puke.....

[chrisdetroit 189]

Given the bolded situation, unless his relationship with Cliff and the Leafs have soured that much than he would probably just stay in Toronto. He bleeds blue, and as long as the relationship between him and Leafs isn't irreparable, signing with another mediocre (or worse) club is a pointless, lateral movement if he *seriously* wants to win the Cup.

If I had to bet on the best team in the east, I'd have to go with the Habs. Think about it who else is there? Pittsburgh is being split up, the Rangers could lose a few key guys, Washington and Philly have a ways to go. It would surprise me to see Mats go to Montreal thinking they have a shot. Of course, we all know that they do have a shot - but only to make it to the finals.

[Echolalia 2,961]

I think our odds are looking pretty good.

Toronto has had a clean shot at pulling him back in and he opted for free agency.

But wait! Toronto sells his rights to Montreal!

And with free agency opening up in a couple days, its looking like Montreal also failed to bag Sundin.

Either all this talk about his wanting to play for a cup is only part true, and he's looking to get a huge contract offer, or he has a plan of his own in mind to pass up the team he has captained for his entire career, and the best cup-contending Canadian team in the league.

Things Detroit has going for it:

1. We're probably the best Stanley Cup contenders out there. I mean, we did just win the cup and all.

2. We're chock full of Swedes, so it would be a friendly environment.

3. We're in the Western Conference, so he wouldn't have to worry about facing his former team.

4. With Drake most likely retiring and the roller-coaster ride our second line is always on in terms of scoring, Mats should know he would have a valuable role here in Detroit, not only as a veteran leader to "win the cup for", but as a reliable source of scoring; two of his most notable features, I might add.

5. Being oddly close to the Eastern Conference, we're still relatively close enough to Toronto to make visiting any family/friends back home a much smaller inconvenience than other Western Conference teams.

6. We have enough money to offer that he wouldn't be taking a substantially massive paycut to belong to a cup contender. Yes, there will be a paycut, but it won't be "unrespectable" or a "steal" by any means.

7. As stated above, he as already purportedly declined both Toronto and Montreal. Out of the 27 other teams in the league, very few can offer the above in the magnitude that the Wings can.

8. Hockey players come here to retire, anyway.

[VM1138 1,921]

I think our odds are looking pretty good.

Toronto has had a clean shot at pulling him back in and he opted for free agency.

But wait! Toronto sells his rights to Montreal!

And with free agency opening up in a couple days, its looking like Montreal also failed to bag Sundin.

Either all this talk about his wanting to play for a cup is only part true, and he's looking to get a huge contract offer, or he has a plan of his own in mind to pass up the team he has captained for his entire career, and the best cup-contending Canadian team in the league.

Things Detroit has going for it:

1. We're probably the best Stanley Cup contenders out there. I mean, we did just win the cup and all.

2. We're chock full of Swedes, so it would be a friendly environment.

3. We're in the Western Conference, so he wouldn't have to worry about facing his former team.

4. With Drake most likely retiring and the roller-coaster ride our second line is always on in terms of scoring, Mats should know he would have a valuable role here in Detroit, not only as a veteran leader to "win the cup for", but as a reliable source of scoring; two of his most notable features, I might add.

5. Being oddly close to the Eastern Conference, we're still relatively close enough to Toronto to make visiting any family/friends back home a much smaller inconvenience than other Western Conference teams.

6. We have enough money to offer that he wouldn't be taking a substantially massive paycut to belong to a cup contender. Yes, there will be a paycut, but it won't be "unrespectable" or a "steal" by any means.

7. As stated above, he as already purportedly declined both Toronto and Montreal. Out of the 27 other teams in the league, very few can offer the above in the magnitude that the Wings can.

8. Hockey players come here to retire, anyway.

I'm beginning to think maybe you're right. Detroit has a lot going for it. Probably more than any other team in the laegue, but that doesn't always equal the expected result. Maybe he's considering something totally different than what we are considering.

Just think...we're only 2 days, maybe 3 days away from a decision. Unless it's one of those half-summer things, but I don't think so. He's already turned down two of the "favorite" teams, he has something in mind. It may not be Detroit, but I think he certainly has an idea what he wants and is ready to commit fairly soon.

[MacK_Attack 108]

1. We're probably the best Stanley Cup contenders out there. I mean, we did just win the cup and all.

Can't argue with that.

2. We're chock full of Swedes, so it would be a friendly environment.

Not really an issue for Sundin. He's said that he's so "Canadian" now that he even thinks in his head in English.

3. We're in the Western Conference, so he wouldn't have to worry about facing his former team.

It's said he would prefer to avoid the Western Conference travel. Also, I don't think he's too worried about coming back to Toronto as a visitor.

4. With Drake most likely retiring and the roller-coaster ride our second line is always on in terms of scoring, Mats should know he would have a valuable role here in Detroit, not only as a veteran leader to "win the cup for", but as a reliable source of scoring; two of his most notable features, I might add.

Mats has always maintained that he wants to be a go-to guy on any team he plays for and doesn't want to be a second-fiddle type of guy. Has said he would retire rather than not play on the first line.

5. Being oddly close to the Eastern Conference, we're still relatively close enough to Toronto to make visiting any family/friends back home a much smaller inconvenience than other Western Conference teams.

Doesn't really have any family in Toronto. Just his fiance, who is Swedish.

6. We have enough money to offer that he wouldn't be taking a substantially massive paycut to belong to a cup contender. Yes, there will be a paycut, but it won't be "unrespectable" or a "steal" by any means.

He's not taking a paycut, he's getting a raise.

7. As stated above, he as already purportedly declined both Toronto and Montreal. Out of the 27 other teams in the league, very few can offer the above in the magnitude that the Wings can.

He hasn't turned down Montreal yet, as he hasn't given them a chance to formally make an offer. The Sundin side is waiting to see what the Rangers offer.

Edited June 29, 2008 by MacK_Attack

[chrisdetroit 189]

I think our odds are looking pretty good.

Toronto has had a clean shot at pulling him back in and he opted for free agency.

But wait! Toronto sells his rights to Montreal!

And with free agency opening up in a couple days, its looking like Montreal also failed to bag Sundin.

Either all this talk about his wanting to play for a cup is only part true, and he's looking to get a huge contract offer, or he has a plan of his own in mind to pass up the team he has captained for his entire career, and the best cup-contending Canadian team in the league.

Things Detroit has going for it:

1. We're probably the best Stanley Cup contenders out there. I mean, we did just win the cup and all.

2. We're chock full of Swedes, so it would be a friendly environment.

3. We're in the Western Conference, so he wouldn't have to worry about facing his former team.

4. With Drake most likely retiring and the roller-coaster ride our second line is always on in terms of scoring, Mats should know he would have a valuable role here in Detroit, not only as a veteran leader to "win the cup for", but as a reliable source of scoring; two of his most notable features, I might add.

5. Being oddly close to the Eastern Conference, we're still relatively close enough to Toronto to make visiting any family/friends back home a much smaller inconvenience than other Western Conference teams.

6. We have enough money to offer that he wouldn't be taking a substantially massive paycut to belong to a cup contender. Yes, there will be a paycut, but it won't be "unrespectable" or a "steal" by any means.

7. As stated above, he as already purportedly declined both Toronto and Montreal. Out of the 27 other teams in the league, very few can offer the above in the magnitude that the Wings can.

8. Hockey players come here to retire, anyway.

I'm with you but you also have to weigh the disadvantages:

1. It would require a move from Canada to the US. I don't know how significant that would be for Mats and his family.

2. Detroit is already stacked. He would not be the #1 guy on the team nor the Captain. In fact he probably would not even be on the first line. I can't image Babs splitting up the ZDH Line.

3. Detroit is in the Western Conference and that means lots of travel.

4. He is not going to get $8 mil. No way Holland pays him more than Nick of Pavel.

I hope we get him but I'd be surprised if we did. I bet he goes to the Habs

[kylee 727]

rahhh i dunno what to think about Sundin. july 1st should be some fun...

[MacK_Attack 108]

Mats Sundin is in no rush to decide his playing future and may not be ready to declare his intentions on Tuesday. As of Sunday night both the Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs have been told Sundin remains undecided as to whether he will play again and he will alert them when he has reached an official decision.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242044&amp...os=secStory_nhl

[Cern 0]

I'm with you but you also have to weigh the disadvantages:

1. It would require a move from Canada to the US. I don't know how significant that would be for Mats and his family.

He can't live in Windsor?

[MacK_Attack 108]

Don't mean to sound naive, but how much does Mats really think he's worth, & does he really believe in 'if I'm not getting 1st line min/pp time - I'll then retire' kinda attitude...If so then Detroit is def not the place for Mats Sundin.

I don't think anybody in the Sundin camp has ever said or insinuated that Detroit would be a good fit. However, a weak free agent crop and the fact that Mats has yet to experience a drop-off in play means he's going to get top-dollar for his services.

But, Mats has always stated that he doesn't want to be a guy hanging on to his NHL career, that if he wasn't the top guy on the team, he would pack in it.

As quiet and reserved as a guy like Mats is, he's got an ego and so does pretty well anybody else in the NHL. He took his paycut last season, now he's looking to get his last big contract before his career ends.

[Dabura 12,232]

The way I see it, the Wings have two things going for them here: 1) their status as The Team to Beat, and 2) their impressive collection of talent. Maybe the Swedish thing is a plus, but like Mack said, it's likely not something that means a whole lot to him at this stage in his career.

I think if Mats is dead-set on winning the Cup and is willing to "budge" a little if it means putting himself in the best possible position to do so, he'll give the Wings thorough consideration. I can't see anyone from the East standing a chance against this team in a best-of-seven series. With the way the Penguins are presently self-destructing, I suppose the conference will pretty much belong to the Habs next season -- but even they would struggle mightily against this team, methinks.

[Dabura 12,232]

And I should add: you add Sundin to this team and, well, forget about the East -- no team in the league could hang with that, period. Assuming the #4 spot on the blue line is adequately addressed, of course.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

I love Mats Sundin, one of my favorite players. But I believe he should just stay in Toronto, he wants to retire a Leaf, and can still play the game. He doesnt want to play for a Stanley Cup contender, thats obvious. Detroit, San Jose or Anaheim would be the places to go. If he believes Montreal honestly has a chance with a rookie goalie, a poor defence, and a very young offence, I dont know what to say. Montreal are still a couple years away from contending for the CUp, 2nd or 3rd round sure, but no further.

I dont know why Mats is asking for 7-10 million dollars at 37, if he's desperate for a winning team and a Stanley Cup. Is Mats worth it, yes no question. I dont know why he wouldnt take 2-4 million so his team can sign him and another impact forward.

[rage 24]

As quiet and reserved as a guy like Mats is, he's got an ego and so does pretty well anybody else in the NHL. He took his paycut last season, now he's looking to get his last big contract before his career ends.

A Cup?

I love Mats Sundin, one of my favorite players. But I believe he should just stay in Toronto, he wants to retire a Leaf, and can still play the game. He doesnt want to play for a Stanley Cup contender, thats obvious. Detroit, San Jose or Anaheim would be the places to go. If he believes Montreal honestly has a chance with a rookie goalie, a poor defence, and a very young offence, I dont know what to say. Montreal are still a couple years away from contending for the CUp, 2nd or 3rd round sure, but no further.

I dont know why Mats is asking for 7-10 million dollars at 37, if he's desperate for a winning team and a Stanley Cup. Is Mats worth it, yes no question. I dont know why he wouldnt take 2-4 million so his team can sign him and another impact forward.

Yeah. Best 2 posts of this thread.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

While I'll admit Price looked shaky throughout the playoffs - I believe the kid is the 'real deal', & will be a 'All-Star' caliber netminder for years to come...The Habs D wasn't too bad IMHO (Komisarek/Markov/Hmarlik are an impressive top 3, & Boullion was solid as well) - it's just that their offense/pp dried-up @ the worst possible time...Speaking of which - the Habs offense (young, or not) looks pretty promising...They made some big leaps/bounds this past season under Coach Carbo, & with the East not having any significant powerhouses @ this time - me thinks the Habs could once again be #1 in that conference.

...doesn't mean though they'll be good enough to beat the Wings

Dont get me wrong, I know the Habs are good. But I just dont think they are a Stanley Cup caliber team.

[Dabura 12,232]

I vote Nick gets on the phone with him and says something in Ikean.