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Sundin rumours are too early

DAVID SHOALTS

From Tuesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 8:42 PM EST 08/01/08

A possible trade is at least a month away ...Read the full article

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  1. Tom Gray from Canada writes: The Leafs have announced that contrary to rumours they are not trying to trade Sundin. They have offered the rest of the team for a number of third and fouth round draft picks in the 2025 draft.
  2. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    OK-et's see what we have here. Mats will be 37 next month and has played 16 years the last 13 with the Leafs. He probably has more money than he can spend and good for him.

    While I'm sure Mats " really wants" to win a Cup, and I might get killed for saying this, but I never saw that fire-that win at all costs attitude of a Steve Yzerman-a Marc Messier-a Patrick Roy-a Rob Neidemeir-Marty Biron....just something missing...

    So he has a choice: Stay with the Leafs-80% chance they won't make the playoffs or be bumped in the first round and have a great summer of golf-or go for the trade.

    We all know the playoffs are a crap shoot, but you'd have to be crazy to bet against either Detroit-San Jose-Anaheim-Dallas in the West, and barring some kind of miracle, maybe Ottawa/New Jersey in the east.

    So he would be crazy to accept a trade to another team if he really wants a shot at winning it all. Add to that the strain of tough playoff hockey for an extra month or two, and what would be left of that 37 year old body?

    Then again, Mats might get a taste of how a REAL organization is run!

    I bet he doesn't wave his clause, claiming they still have a shot in February.
  3. Allan Martel from Canada writes: Should JF Jr. be considering baring his best asset during a full moon?
  4. Popeye Dillon from North Vancouver, Canada writes: I can't see why anyone would give up a lot to acquire Sundin. He's old and has no great playoff stats to make him desireable to a contending team.
  5. Frank Godfrey from Canada writes: Let's see if MLSE has any resolve to build a contending hockey team. Trading an asset with a limited shelf life would be an astute move by capable managers. Oh well.
  6. R A from Canada writes: You said it Frank Godfrey...it aint gonna happen.
  7. Super Troll from Canada writes: Trade him to Los Angeles so we don't have to hear Leaf fans drone on about how great he is, or look at his ugly vampire head anymore
  8. Thumb Sucker from Canada writes: This trade needed t made about 4 years ago when Sundin had tons of value. Now no one will be willing to take on his bloated contract, let alone give up players that are as good in return.
  9. J Boyd from Canada writes: The Laffs have been trying to "build" around Sundin for years now,,,,,,and sadly, I think they still think if they can find somebody to play with him,,,,,,,,

    Give it up - that ship left the harbour many full moons ago.
  10. W. Mayne from Canada writes: Now let's see, the Leafs plan would be to trade Sundin for a pair of young excellent prospects, hang onto them for a couple of years and then give up on them and then trade them for an experienced journeyman. This is how they have played the "game" in the past!
  11. R A from Canada writes: Thumb Sucker..."Now no one will be willing to take on his bloated contract" - 5.5 million a year for one of the leagues top point/goal scorers doesnt seem too out of line. Although I dont disagree about getting much in good young talent for a rent-a-player but if it could mean the difference to a team thats on the edge of good and great then you never know?

    If he does go please send him anywhere but Ottawa so I can cheer for the team in the playoffs :)
  12. Canadian Built from Guelph, Canada writes: Wait and see if they're in the playoffs?

    Are you kidding me?

    If they make the playoffs it'll be the 8 seed and they're out in 4 games.....they don't have a prayer to win the cup??

    For the LOVE OF G*D....the leafs are horrible, they always have been horrible (in my life time) and will NEVER win in my lifetime....until SOMEONE has the nuts to make a damn trade to HELP the=team.

    Did anyone see what the Flyers got from Nashville for Forsberg? The Leafs could get more for a 'healthy' Sundin.....but they should trade for 43 year old Chelios, how about a broken legged Gary Roberts, heck I say Gary Leeman playing poker on tv the other day, maybe they can coax him out of retirement.

    Lots of late 30 early 40 year olds out there....go get em leafs....your organization is a complete joke!
  13. Drew Diggs from Toronto, Canada writes: Some of these comments are just hilarious! Sundin has no value!!!??? lol. Sundin is a dominate forward that can play with crappy linemates, has playoff experience and leadership. Take a look at what Philly got for Forsberg, you really can't say that at the time Forsberg was worth more than Sundin is now. Remember what St.Louis got for Kieth Tyachuk(how the hell do you spell that name? )Sundin will be the most attractive rent a player come February, GM's going for a cup will pay tops for him. The question is whether JFJ can be intelligent enough (fat chance) to deal him and get him back in the summer.
  14. James C. from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China writes: "R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes: I never saw that fire-that win at all costs attitude of a Steve Yzerman-a Marc Messier-a Patrick Roy-a Rob Neidemeir-Marty Biron....just something missing...

    We all know the playoffs are a crap shoot, but you'd have to be crazy to bet against either Detroit-San Jose-Anaheim-Dallas in the West, and barring some kind of miracle, maybe Ottawa/New Jersey in the east.

    ----------

    one of those names up there doesnt belong with the others. can you pick it out?

    and as for detroit, they said they were unbeatable last year. look what happened. and anaheim? not the same team as last year.
  15. Doktor David from London, Canada writes: Does anyone remember the time in the playoffs when Sundin was hurt and the team had to play above their heads in order to be competitive? Remember how Alyn Mccauley played probably the games of his life during that time frame? I cannot recall at anytime in recent memory where this team actually played like a team, save for then.

    Sundin is a marvelous player, truly a class act in all facets of the game on and off the ice. But, this team has put an almost unacceptable burden upon him, in the sense that he is expected to be the panacea for all their ills. Playing as a team is the essential key and I'm not seeing that now.

    Sadly it may take a trade for them all to understand that.

    One last point - why Ferguson didn't pack his luggage and move on is beyond me. As noted, trading Sundin is essentially the same as throwing in the towel saying "not this year". He may better the organization, long term, in the process and then put his butt out on the street.

    Wonder how MLSE will reward that dedication to the organization.
  16. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Marty Biron? How the heck did he get in that list?

    Sure, I'll take Matts for my Thursday night beer league team...

    I'll give the Make Beleafs a bucket of pucks in return...
  17. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: What the Laffs really need is to get Doug Gilmour, Dave Keon, Borje Salming and Jim McKenny back on the roster.

    They should give up their first round picks for the next decade to get this deal done.

    I really have a feeling about this deal, guys -- This year is still our year to have a real Stanley Cup parade down Yonge Street.
  18. Drew Diggs from Toronto, Canada writes: Hey Miller, who do you cheer for??? Your weak attempt at humour is getting tired. Sundin beer league?? Doug Gilmour?? Get lost man.
  19. Super Troll from Canada writes: I'm with Bob Miller- he forgot about their sieve goaltending tho. Trade Sundin for Mike Palmateer and Lonny Bohonas.
  20. Janis Miller from Canada writes: I think it's time to sell the team to Ballsillie and move it to Hamilton.
  21. Gawd Knows from Canada writes: As I see it, looking down from above, Matts would dearly love to have a ring, and deserves to play with a team that is at least capable of going the route.

    We are in his twilight years, there are few chances left for him.

    The team might start working if they weren't leaning on him to win every game for them.

    Matts would be better off with a new sweater for the rest of his career and the Leafs could start buiding.
  22. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: So Drew:

    I guess what you are saying is that I don't get JFJ's job?

    OK, I am withdrawing my CV then... And my talks with Doug Favell are off!

    I am off to hang out with the Habs blog people then...
  23. Alain Chicoine from Canada writes: Do the Leafs really need to play more golf? They've had plenty of time to do that in recent years, and they'll have plenty more time this summer.
  24. Super Troll from Canada writes: Alain- they're in training for their golf season, which begins around April 8. Hockey's a secondary concern right now.
  25. Drew Diggs from Toronto, Canada writes: Miller, anybody would do better than JFJ (even you).....yes you get the job. Good luck with your Habs, they are also going nowhere and you know it.
  26. Drew Diggs from Toronto, Canada writes: Super Troll wears Sundin Pajamas.
  27. Alain Chicoine from Canada writes: Mats Sundin for Tiger Woods.

    You heard it here first.
  28. Nestor C from Canada writes: Hey Mats lovers....go read Doktor Daves comments....specifically about how other players have always stepped up in the playoffs...

    What he (and others) always conveniently forget when heaping praise and accolades on him is that he consistently folds in the playoffs and basically floats at all times not associated with a contract year. You think for a second that he put the afterburners on this year because he wants a fat pay day?

    Where was he a couple of years back where we went into a funk for a few months? Wasn't a contract year then.....

    I'm all for saying he is and has been a talented player....but call a spade a spade....he's talented, but doesn't play with heart, always folds in the playoffs and usually goes into hiding when a payday isn't in the future....

    (and for all of you 'point-a-game' retards...ask yourself this...given a choice of 10..hell I'll even give you 15 players....how many would pick Sundin as the build your team around guy....(and yes even when he was younger....answer that truthfully and you'll have where our friends Mats resides in the hierarchy of hockey)
  29. greg smith from Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada writes: I want what ever narcotics that R Carriere is on. 80% chance of the not making the playoffs, how about 95%, staying around if they (no way for what 4 games and gone)make the playoffs. The fact that he would be crazy to go to Detroit, he would at least show that he is not as deluded and mind blown as R Carriere is by demanding to be traded to anybody that has a legitimate chance.
    R Carriere are they prescription or street drugs you are taking?
  30. Super Troll from Canada writes: Sundin wears Alfie pyjamas.
  31. Spurgeon Gillis from Canada writes: The sardonic and condescending tone of T.O. sports writers when it comes to Leafs fans is getting tiring. Their embarrassment with their OWN obsession with the Leafs causes them to ridicule Leafs fans whenever they raise an issue, but at the same time they write about the very thing the Leafs fans are speculating on.
  32. Roberto Capretta from Toronto, Canada writes: For all the idiots who do not think Sundin would get anything in return for the Leafs - try learning to read a few words and perhaps read more than 1 article.
    One rumour: Red Wing players are trying to lobby their management to acquire Sundin. Many otherrumours out there. Always have to take any rumour with a grain of salt, but the undercurrent is there - many NHL players on winning teams would love to add someone like Sundin to their team - lots of skill and talent and no mental baggage that could disrupt a locker room. Is he a guy to build a team around - no one is at 37. But 1 more ingredient on a good team - certainly he should return more value than Tchazuk(sp?)
    It amazes me how so many people can blog with so little knowledge of the game. To believe some above, talented NHL player opinion is not to be believed and these bloggers know it all... (BTW - I am not a Leaf fan, and root for no one. Just a hockey fan.)
  33. D I from Toronto, Canada writes: What idiot wrote this article? Too soon for Sundin trade talk? Moron, Sundin should have been traded 3 years ago and the team rebuilt. You're about as smart as the wizards running MLSE. I bled blue for many years but gave up on this franchise 3 years ago when they thought the status quo was fine - middle of the pack team. Funny because they're not even meeting their middle of the pack goal these days, given they are 3rd worst in the league? And there is playoff talk? What a joke, even if they made the playoffs who are they going to beat? LOSERS
  34. mark whitney from kitchener, Canada writes: This article is ridiculous. You suggest that people are panicking because the Leafs are endanger of not making the playoffs. Fans aren't panicking; we're frustrated, annoyed and begging for changes that ought to have been made a long time ago. Are you suggesting that this team can win at a pace comparable to Detroit's first half for the remainder of the season? That's what it will take for them to limp into the playoffs. Furthermore, in your wildest dreams, do you see the veteran core of this team (Sundin included) leading the team to a future Stanley Cup? The answer to both of these questions is a resounding NO. Fire Ferguson now and bring in a GM who has the ability and the blessings of MLSE to dismantle and rebuild this team. And, for everyone's sake... stop setting the bar yearly at 'making the playoffs'. That goal in itself breeds losers. Set the bar at be in the Cup Finals in 2012, win it in 2013. As much as I love Sundin, do him and every fan a favour... get someone in as GM who can make a smart deal, send him to a contender and pick up some quality prospects and picks. Simple... and not panicking... unless you see logic as panic.
  35. Drew Diggs from Toronto, Canada writes: Nestor, Sundin does not dissapear in the playoffs?? Mats has done fine in the playoffs, in fact I remember Sundin scoring some key goals in O.T. or scoring to force a game into O.T. As far as the contract year crap goes, Sundin has always been a consistant points producer. He has gone through slumps like every other player goes through. Fact of the matter is, the guy has never scored less than 20 goals in a year, and has passed the 75 point plateau in almost every season in his career has been impervious to injuries and has played with trash linemates (save Mogilny,Roberts). What more can the guy do???? When will he be finally accepted as one of the greats??? Go to NHL.com and take a look where Mats stands on the all time points list. He is one of the best that has ever played the game, show some respect.
  36. Atlantic Geezer from Canada writes: Sundin loves Toronto.
    Sundin would love to win a cup.
    The leafs stink.
    The leafs need to rebuild.
    Sundin is their only grade A asset.
    Even if the leafs are contending for a playoff position com Feb. Mats should still be traded for picks and prospects. He is worth more than what Philly got for Forsberg.
    Everybody knows this, lets hope Ferguson (who is dead anyway) does the right thing.
  37. TD P from London, Canada writes: No value? Wow, absurd.

    He is currently tied for 13th in scoring.

    Detroit gave up Shawn Matthias and a 2007 and a 2008 conditional pick for Todd freakin Bertuzzi last year.

    For Tkachuk? The Thrashers gave up a first-round pick and a third-round pick in the 2007 Entry Draft, a second-round pick in 2008 and centre Glen Metropolit.

    A broken down Forsberg got traded to the Predators in exchange for Scottie Upshall, Ryan Parent and first- and third-round draft picks.

    If Ferguson is smart, and well, he isn't, he could deal Sundin to Anaheim for Edmontons first rounder, aquire his own top five pick when the Leafs tank and then resign Sundin in the summer.
  38. Dom P from Ottawa, Canada writes: Amen Drew Diggs!
  39. Super Troll from Canada writes: The Maple Ladies may get more for Sundown than a lot of people think- simply because there are so many teams in the playoff hunt, all of which will be looking to add a top-tier player.

    However why do so many people think Sundown would want to re-sign with Toronto after the season? You're full of yourselves. Once he gets a taste of life outside of the MLSE circus, he'll want nothing to do with them again.

    Trade him to LA- let him fall off the radar.
  40. Bored Worker from Woodstock, Canada writes: I wish that Bettman would allow for someone like Ballsilie to buy an American team and bring it to Hamilton. Maybe if the Leafs didn't have a captive market of die hard hockey fans they'd be forced to make Hockey decisions, not business decisions. Another team here would be great. Suddenly the perennail under-achieving Leafs would have some competition for fans and T-shirt sales...That might make Pettie think about building a winning team, not just any old team as the arena is full every night regardless of the quality.
    I guess I can't just blame Bettman...The Leafs and the Sabres were crying as another team here would encroach upon their "Territorial Rights" and would probably have demanded a cut of the profits from the Hamilton Blackberrys...
    Let this be a lesson to all of you....Your Economics professor was wrong! Competition is very, very bad!
  41. TD P from London, Canada writes: Well Troll, maybe because he keeps saying he wants to retire a Leaf, won't waive his no-trade clause and keeps stating publicly that he wants to remain a Leaf? Sundin has had his chances to leave over the years and hasn't.
  42. Patrick G from Calgary, Canada writes: It's priceless to see all the haters out in full force as usual ranting their useless drivel. Look, I'm a Leafs fan, but I'm under no illusions as to where this team is heading and how inept the ownership and management group is, but if you're going to rant against Sundin, at least be factual.

    1291 points in 1273 regular season games and 74 points in 83 playoff games. Big strong guy, good on face offs. And yes he can lead (seemed to play through adversity against the Isles with a smashed in face a few years ago). Hardly a hack.

    Look, if a team like Atlanta was desperate enough to give up what they did to get Keith Tkachuk, a less accomplished player, then I'm more than willing to bet there will be a team that thinks they can go all the way and would trade for him and give up as much as Atlanta did. We're dealing with the NHL remember.
  43. Bill M from Canada writes: R A from Canada writes: Thumb Sucker..."Now no one will be willing to take on his bloated contract" - 5.5 million a year for one of the leagues top point/goal scorers doesnt seem too out of line.

    He's at 1.14 points per game, well ahead of his carreer average of 1.01 points per game. Another 15 years or so and he might pass Gretzky. He wouldn't pay a million or so for twenty or so games of such a great star.
  44. mike morfee from Haven't won a cup since '67, writes: This story reminds me in the movie Slapshot when old man McGrath makes one of the road trips and is making phone calls from the dressing room during the game to sell the Chiefs - good times!!!

    Sundin has never been a guy to build the franchise around. Great player, could play on my time any day but it's time to move on or retire. Do what's best for the team which is a complete rebuild.

    Good luck Mats with whatever your decision - it's been fun watching. Let's start the next chapter.
  45. ... ... from writes:
    the league and threaders here all agree sundin is the best captain in the league today.

    for which reason the leafs will keep sundin and make a run for the cup with toskala backstopping.

    leafs will trade raycroft for l.a. king's first round draft pick next year plus a king's prospect.

    in other news, senators will buy out emery's contract and sign curtis joseph.
  46. Super Troll from Canada writes: TD P- Hahaha yeah what else is he gonna say while he's here? Why do you think he only signed a 1-year deal?

    Leaf fans buy anything. Anyone of you want my Bre-X shares? $100 each.
  47. ... ... from writes: this is interesting. quoting from another thread:

    Downie's clean hit on the prima donna Seantor McCammond:

    1) Downie was going around the net when McCammond got in his way.

    2) McCammond had his head down.

    3) McCammond hit Downie in the elbow with his head.

    4) Because the unsteady McCammond fell so fast, little Downie appeared to rise up on his skates as he fell over the fallen Senator.
  48. R A from Canada writes: Bill M...who ever said he was Gretzkey...lol, nice stretch. If you dont think Sundin is one of the top players in the league and wouldnt attract some interest from other teams then i think youre following the wrong sport.
  49. Ryan Hickman from Canada writes: Too early??? Love Sundin but he should have been traded a couple of years ago!
  50. Alfie Didn't Choke.... Like Really... from Canada writes: Mats biggest problem is he's not been a petulant child and demanded a trade. Is that a lack of heart? The guy plays in the most intensely scrutinized hockey market in the world and still performs, year after year with the crappy teams he's been given (as noted above, with the exception of Mogilny and Roberts). And... for some reason that I don't understand, he wants to stay. I'm no longer a leaf fan, but I've always been a sundin fan. Biggest problem for him, and other european players, is he's not canadian, and he was never forgiven for being traded for Wendy, much less being captain after gilmour. So, the guy just plays and shuts up. Maybe he should've raised a more public fuss about how crappy the team was, but I wish more pro athletes provided such an example of class.
  51. Neil no more last name from Canada writes: To paraphrase many on this board who probably never watched a Leafs playoff game "Sundin...always folds in the playoffs."

    Are you kidding me???

    35 goals and 74 points in 83 career playoff games. Overall, Holds the NHL record for most overtime goals- 15 (tied with Jagr) His best winger was Mogilny out of his prime.

    This guy doesn't get the points of say Alfredsson, but this guy doesn't get to play on a line with two other All-Stars.

    Same comparison goes for Yzerman when Detroit was winning cups, Sakic in Colorado etc...

    But you guys are right he's not clutch at all. Well done, smart guys.
  52. Nestor C from Canada writes: Drew...you obviously inhabit a bizzaro-world....see, for me and guys like me in the real world, they have seen that in the playoffs (when they were last there), guys like McCauly, Roberts, Steve Thomas (remember him) etc. ALWAYS are the ones who are remembered to have carried the Leafs through a round or through the playoffs....when you remember Gilmour what do you remember....that this guy sweat and bled ML blue and carried his team through by scoring, crashing, banging and getting his butt kicked for the good of the team.....did Sundin score in the playoffs...sure he has, but he hasn't led and shown the leadership required....IMO..... what great linemates did Gilmour have? Borchevsky? HAHAHAHA....but Doug still supplied superior numbers AND led his team deep into the playoff....people always let Sundin off the hook because of his lack lustre linemates.....what great linemates does Ovechkin have? Guess scoring a buvket load of goals doesn't count though right? Truly great players know how to play with mediocrity...partly because everyone is mediocre against a great player.... Losers always whine about their best...winner go home and F*&K the prom-queen....Sundin has and always will be a loser....a talented loser but a loser none-the-less and no amount of meaningless stats can counter the fact that this guy hasn't won a damn thing....no individual or NHL team honours combined....so go back and have fun with your play-with-numbers statistical Olympics.....until those numbers show he's won a Cup and actually led (or been among) the leading scorers in the playoffs....go lay down with the other blinded Leaf goofs that keep this rudderless ship afloat......I'm a Leafs fan, but also see the reality of this team as well....
  53. Drew Diggs from Toronto, Canada writes: Wow Nestor you raise some interesting points and you do it so poiltely as well. You're right man, Sundin will never be the captain Gilmour was, not a chance. Sundin will never lead the Leafs to the Conference finals like Dougy did. Ooops, I think Mats did that twice. Oh and you're totally right about Thomas and McCauley, they are miles ahead of Sundin when it comes to leadership and talent, how many cups do they have again??? Gilmour had garbage linemates, Wendel Clark and Dave Anderychuk were total stiffs compared to Gary Roberts and a washed up Alex Mogilny. You're right though, I never even noticed Sundin in the playoffs. I didnt even see those O.T. goals he scored are any of his third period heroics. I didn't notice him when he came back with 40 stitches in his face to finsih the game because it was the playoffs. I also never even heard him say that he never wants to be traded because he wants to bring a cup back to Toronto. Oh, and I wont even notice his number in the rafters at the ACC after his retirement. Maybe number 93' will be blocking that banner. Pfffttt......you sound like Don Cherry.
    Ovechkin!!!!! What the F?*K has Ovechkin done besides parade around the arena and hug the glass instead of his teamates after scoring a goal?
  54. Drew Diggs from Toronto, Canada writes: I guess one solid playoffs by Doug Gilmour is better than 13 solid seasons from Mats Sundin eh Nestor???
  55. Nestor C from Canada writes: Wow Drew...and like I actually expected to listen to reason....I love guys like you...always putting words in peoples mouths and saying its so.... Like....never said McCauly et al were superior to Sundin from a talent side...but guess what.....they are the ones that put the team on their backs and led them through...Mats...no show.... Sure Sundin has gone to the Conf finals...but oooops....did he actually lead them there???? I guess Stumpys performance goes un-noticed....back in that playoffs...Thomas was the true leader of the team then....anyone who says otherwise is too drunk to remember...so does Sundin being a bit player matter? Did he lead? Not likely.... Either way, keep bleeting about hall of fame and number retirement etc etc, he'll never amount to anything more than a Borje Salming....although Mats is far more talented than good ole Borje..... Like I keep saying, Sundin has the talent but just lacks the x-factor that makes guys like Wendel, Gilmour, Yzerman etc....those guys are leaders....and before you play the Cherry card (oh wait you did), there are boatloads of European leaders out there....Alfie up in Ottawa comes to mind first....trust me, he;ll be remembered in a far kinder (call it Wendel-esque) light than our buddy Mats. And yes...one solid playoffs is better than 13 solid seasons......and as soon as you figure that out, you'll be a better Leafs fan....all the regular season is is a tune-up for the playoffs....guys like you allow the Leafs to continue the way they are being losers..... BTW, since you missed the subtle point of Ovechkin.....is a guy like that hugs the glass as often as he does with that support staff that he has....what's that say about our buddy Mats.....kind of pokes holes in your argument doesn't it......so to be plainly obvious....true talent DOESN'T need superior support staff to post exceptional numbers.....
  56. Nestor C from Canada writes: Wow Drew...and like I actually expected to listen to reason....I love guys like you...always putting words in peoples mouths and saying its so.... Like....never said McCauly et al were superior to Sundin from a talent side...but guess what.....they are the ones that put the team on their backs and led them through...Mats...no show.... Sure Sundin has gone to the Conf finals...but oooops....did he actually lead them there???? I guess Stumpys performance goes un-noticed....back in that playoffs...Thomas was the true leader of the team then....anyone who says otherwise is too drunk to remember...so does Sundin being a bit player matter? Did he lead? Not likely.... Either way, keep bleeting about hall of fame and number retirement etc etc, he'll never amount to anything more than a Borje Salming....although Mats is far more talented than good ole Borje..... Like I keep saying, Sundin has the talent but just lacks the x-factor that makes guys like Wendel, Gilmour, Yzerman etc....those guys are leaders....and before you play the Cherry card (oh wait you did), there are boatloads of European leaders out there....Alfie up in Ottawa comes to mind first....trust me, he;ll be remembered in a far kinder (call it Wendel-esque) light than our buddy Mats. And yes...one solid playoffs is better than 13 solid seasons......and as soon as you figure that out, you'll be a better Leafs fan....all the regular season is is a tune-up for the playoffs....guys like you allow the Leafs to continue the way they are being losers..... BTW, since you missed the subtle point of Ovechkin.....is a guy like that hugs the glass as often as he does with that support staff that he has....what's that say about our buddy Mats.....kind of pokes holes in your argument doesn't it......so to be plainly obvious....true talent DOESN'T need superior support staff to post exceptional numbers.....
  57. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    greg smith from Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada writes: I want what ever narcotics that R Carriere is on. 80% chance of the not making the playoffs, how about 95%, staying around if they (no way for what 4 games and gone)make the playoffs. The fact that he would be crazy to go to Detroit, he would at least show that he is not as deluded and mind blown as R Carriere is by demanding to be traded to anybody that has a legitimate chance.
    R Carriere are they prescription or street drugs you are taking?

    Perhaps you may wish to tell me what finishing school you attended with your wonderful manners and prose-I will make sure all avoid it. It is also obvious that the 3 years you spent in grade 2 did nothing to improve either your reading or comprehension skills. In Canada we read and write from left to right. Try again sonny. Now back to your illegal moonshine.
    .
  58. Super Troll from Canada writes: Iqaluit, Nunavut - that's where Nancy Drew should go
  59. scott ballard from vancouver bc, writes: Trade Sundin, he deserves better and so does Canadian hockey for that matter. The Leafs are managed by poor management and have not been able to do the Leafs logo and history justice, its a shame.
  60. Bal Virk from Brampton, Canada writes: Sundin deserves a better team to try to win the Cup with. If the Leafs won't get better, then he should be traded. Can JFJ trade Mats for a new GM and fire himself? Now that would be getting true trade value! And maybe part with Raycroft for a new president who then fires Peddie. Only then will we see the Leafs start a true rebuilding process.
  61. Drew Diggs from Toronto, Canada writes: Nestor, I can appreciate your passion and your hockey knowledge. Yes, stumpy was great during that playoff run, he scored many integral goals to help the leafs go far. I too thought, "this is the year". We definitely should have beat NJ. I remember Stumpy and Sundin hitting the post in game 6 early in the game. Had those gone in, that game may have ended differently and we would be singing a different tune.`However, I also remember Sundin scoring important goals during that run and other runs for that matter. I remember him scoring a goal in Jersey with less than a minute left to make an impropable comeback -we lost that game in O.T. Do you remember who scored with seconds left on the clock to push game 6 into O.T. against Carolina? Unfrotunatly Jeff O'Neil ruined that one for Leaf fans too. Look all im saying is that Sundin has very good numbers in the playoffs, maybe not superstar numbers but pretty damn good none the less. He also has gone as far as Doug Gilmour but remember that Dougy only had one season of glory with the Leafs. Sundin has been part of many playoff runs with this team and its unfair to put the blame on him because his team was not good enough. You mention guys like Steve Yzerman. Do you really think that Yzerman would have won all those cups had it not been for Federov, Shanny, Lidstrom, Hull, Holmstrom??? That was a dynasty! It takes a team to win a cup. I get pissed when people blame Mats for this teams misfortune and call him an unsuitable leader. Gimme a break, he does not dissapear in the playoffs. Alex Ovechkin is too young to compare to Sundin right now, Sundin has accomplished alot more than Ovechkin has. Sure Ovechkin has exceptional talent, but lets see whos numbers stack up better at the end of both careers (playoffs included).
  62. Drew Diggs from Toronto, Canada writes: Super Troll wears Sundin pajamas.
  63. Baldy Cotton from Canada writes: The only news here is that Shoalts should grow up--talk about the pot calling the kettle black with his lunacy/moon imagery about overeager fans. Uh, Shoaltsy, you're constantly raising the bar for OCD fans and the nervous-nelly sushi set, what with your unending and often pointless analysis of all minutiae Leafian. Take a look in the mirrior doughnut fella! Go find yourself your first scoop in 20 years.
  64. George Hall from Canada writes: For Nestor who thinks he is the only one who lives in reality is crazy to slag Borja Salming...... Salming was as good as any Leaf player who ever played from the time I sarted watching.
    Salming was an absolutely amazing player..
  65. Super Troll from Canada writes: Good- so Nancy Drew agrees that Sundown disappears in the playoffs (and in the last 20 games of the regular season), especially in non-contract years, and cross-checks, spears and facewashes from behind the ref like it's going out of style.

    Sundin wears Alfie pyjamas.
  66. Drew Diggs from Toronto, Canada writes: Never said that Troll but I do agree that you're an idiot. At least he dosn't shoot pucks at the other teams captain during the Stanley Cup playoffs and guarantee wins and then not produce. At least he is smart enough to do the dirty stuff when the ref is not looking. What does Alfie do??? Shoot the puck at Scotty at center ice in front of thousands! lol Ya Alfie is a reeeeaaaalll prize.
  67. R A from Canada writes: Yeah but you gotta give Krusty credit - he has diving down to a fine art...
  68. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Bunch of real experts on this thread I see.

    Liked the comment about Shoalts complaining about people getting riled over the same stuff he considers printing as "News".

    Shoalts.... yesterday you were the one that decided that Peddie going on this trip was news.... old news that was published at least a week and a half ago in other media. You are also the one that suggested the possibility of a Sundin trade.... way to early.

    Now you create an article saying fans have their shirts in a knot and shouldn't?

    How can I get one of these jobs? (I can type without a spell checker... does that count?)
  69. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Nestor C; You remind me of a bunch of guys I play hockey with.

    You will never be a Sundin fan..... you are probably still bitter about him being traded for Wendel..... Get over it.

    Should Sundin be on the market in 6 weeks.... he will be the most sought after asset out there. Anybody that disagrees just doesn't know anything about hockey.... plain and simple. (Expecting the Gidiot to rise to that one as the fastest troll).

    It's not going to happen.

    JFJ set it up as a possibility when he negotiated the one year deal with Sundin last summer. (when he thought he was getting an extension on his own contract). The deal has already been set up with Sundin and his agent.... I think that's why Sundin is playing the way he is, and why his (for him) exasperated comments after the last game..... he doesn't want it to happen.

    JFJ is now caught in the untenable situation where if he makes the trade he is throwing in the towel. No playoffs, no job. His will be fired.

    Course my glass is still half full. R Carriere's is only 20 percent full. Quinn the eskimo from Iqaluit, Nunavut apparently has an empty glass.
  70. Peter Hells from Oakville, Canada writes:

    Remember when silly Leaf fans were always saying Sundin was a better player than Alfie...crazy eh?

    Here we are at the halfway point and look where Alfie is compared to Mats??

    Alfie has more points..better defensively, and a starter in the All Star Game.

    Go Sens!!
  71. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Peter Hells;

    Alfredson has seven more points than Sundin and plays with WHO exactly?

    Alfredson play wing... not centre.

    I happen to like Alfredson..... don't think I have much use for trolls like you.
  72. S H from Windsor, Canada writes: Rumour down here is that the Swedes playing for Detroit are trying to lure him to play for the Wings,to win a cup. Personally, I think Sundin should retire in the Blue and White and Detroit won't win anything unless they get some grit for the playoffs!

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