Sundin still dithering
posted by Mike Boone at 13h30 EST on Sep 2
“I was hoping after summer started that I would have a decision during
the summer or during this fall at least. Where I’m at right now, I’m
not at the point where I can make a decision about that.”
Sundin scored 32 goals and 46 assists in 74 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season.
He’s scored 25 or more goals in 15 of his NHL seasons and has scored 555 goals and 766 assists in 1,305 career games.
He’s been courted throughout the summer by the Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens and to a lesser extent, the New York Rangers.
The longtime Leafs captain, who is expectedin Toronto later this week for a charity hockey game, said it’s unlikely he’ll make a decision before training camps open later this month.
“The way it looks right now, probably not. My biggest thing is that I want to make sure that mentally and physically I’m ready to play another NHL season and go through the things you do as NHL player playing at the elite level,” he said.
“Where I am right now mentally and physically I’m not ready to make that decision.I wish I had a date or a timeline where I can tell everybody what my intentions are and what I want to do. Myself, I don’t know yet, so I can’t say anything about it.”
Sundin said he has continued to workout during the off-season, but hasn’t trained as hard as he has in past summers and he hasn’t skated this summer.
The Leafs have reportedly offered the 37-year-old $7 million US to play another season, while the Canucks have a standing two-year, $20-million offer on the table.
Sundin said destinations haven’t crossed his mind, instead focusing on whether if he feels ready to even play anywhere again.
“I haven’t even looked at different options or teams or where to play, that’s not even my first question,” he said.
“My first question is . . . do I want to play anymore? After that, it would be where. I have to get past the personal decision if I’m going to play or not.”
It’s anyone’s guess when that will be.
“It’s not like I’m playing any games or anything,” said. “I’m trying to follow my heart and do what’s going to be best.
Sundin scored 32 goals and 46 assists in 74 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season.
He’s scored 25 or more goals in 15 of his NHL seasons and has scored 555 goals and 766 assists in 1,305 career games.
He’s been courted throughout the summer by the Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens and to a lesser extent, the New York Rangers.
The longtime Leafs captain, who is expectedin Toronto later this week for a charity hockey game, said it’s unlikely he’ll make a decision before training camps open later this month.
“The way it looks right now, probably not. My biggest thing is that I want to make sure that mentally and physically I’m ready to play another NHL season and go through the things you do as NHL player playing at the elite level,” he said.
“Where I am right now mentally and physically I’m not ready to make that decision.I wish I had a date or a timeline where I can tell everybody what my intentions are and what I want to do. Myself, I don’t know yet, so I can’t say anything about it.”
Sundin said he has continued to workout during the off-season, but hasn’t trained as hard as he has in past summers and he hasn’t skated this summer.
The Leafs have reportedly offered the 37-year-old $7 million US to play another season, while the Canucks have a standing two-year, $20-million offer on the table.
Sundin said destinations haven’t crossed his mind, instead focusing on whether if he feels ready to even play anywhere again.
“I haven’t even looked at different options or teams or where to play, that’s not even my first question,” he said.
“My first question is . . . do I want to play anymore? After that, it would be where. I have to get past the personal decision if I’m going to play or not.”
It’s anyone’s guess when that will be.
“It’s not like I’m playing any games or anything,” said. “I’m trying to follow my heart and do what’s going to be best.
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Comments
Submitted by misteral on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 07:46.
This is a quote of what Mats said when he refused to be traded from the Leafs:
I cannot leave my teammates and join another NHL Club at this time. I have never believed in the concept of a rental player. It is my belief that winning the Stanley Cup is the greatest thing you can achieve in hockey but for me, in order to appreciate it you have to have been part of the entire journey and that means October through June. I hope everyone will understand and respect my decision.
Yes it's his decision, but either the guy believes you have to be there starting in October... or he doesn't. At this point, if he's not ready to commit and be in training camp in a couple weeks then he can either retire or wait until next year.
Not that it matters... he will not be going to a contender. He's afraid of being accountable for success, he'd rather either go out as the big guy of a mediocre team or to come back to a non-contender, and if they don't go all the way he has an out.
Submitted by joeybarrie on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 21:38.
At this point he is driving his own price and options down. Teams have to make their move. He is painting himself into a corner. He will be stuck with whatever team has the cap space, or will make the biggest sacrifice to make cap space. That isn't a good option if he wants success. He will be stuck with the Nucks, or whomever is desperate enough to dump everything for him. OR he is going back on his word and wants to join a winning team. He said he wouldn't just become a rent a player to push for the cup, he would be there from training camp....LOOKS LIKE NO... If he doesn't know by now then what going on in his head. Please don't allow him to take that indecision into management....unless its with the LAFFS.
Submitted by G-Man on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 21:06.
Summer's over. Sundin, it's decision time. Retire or try for a Cup with the Habs. Another "I'm not sure" at this point is plainly just ridiculous. However, he could be trying to drive his price up... what am I saying? Decide something, already!
No news by this weekend means Plan B should be well on its merry way. Too bad, but all this waiting around has done nothing but drive we Hab fans a little over the edge.
Gilbert
2008/09 is the season of the Habs
Submitted by madhabsfan on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 19:57.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Sundin is showing the same lack of respect for the game Niedermayer did in the past. Classy players that have retired in recent years (Yzerman, Messier, etc) must be saying to themselves "What is this crap? If I thought playing for partial seasons was an option, I could have put in a few more years". Really, this had better not become a trend that catches on in the NHL, or in any sport for that matter. Hiding in the weeds to see how the teams are looking than making a decision? Disingenuous and unsportsmanlike to say the least, and detrimental to the integrity of the game. Mats said it himself that players should play on their chosen team from the beginning! Why the flip-flop Mats?
Bottom line: We have a guy almost admitting the fact that he is not into it, and out of shape, and yet he still won't rule out accepting a multimillion dollar deal. Take the offer off the table Bob, we don't want this guy!
Submitted by Moey on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 20:48.
Didn't you read any of his interview? HE HAS NOT DECIDED WHETHER OR NOT HE WILL PLAY. How did he flip flop from that?? fHe's not being disrespectul or any of the rest of your accusations. Where do you get this stuff from??
Here's the rattle, keep it in the pram because you won't get it back next time.
Submitted by madhabsfan on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 22:17.
If you truly believe that Sundin's hanging up his skates for good, well, that makes one of you. I sure hope you just like horses and that you don't bet on them. He is considering doing something he recently said he was against. The bandwagon jump doesn't look so bad anymore now that it suits his interests. This alone, as far as I am concerned, constitutes a total flip flop. I stand by my statement about disrespect. Sitting back for part of the season, avoiding the long haul, then jumping on the bandwagon if things look good enough, is simply bad for the game. Hockey is about dedication and heart. He said it himself, you are in it for the long haul, or you are not in it at all. If he is a man of his word, he will do exactly what almost every other player like him as done in the past: Pick a team or retire. This Selanne, Niedermayer nonsense sucks.
Submitted by Moey on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 22:35.
For God's sake, read what I already posted below.
He wasn't in the last few games of the season. He had an injury. Has it ever occured to you that maybe it still is an issue, it could be from week to week. If you listen to BG's audio he mentions that sometimes the indecision is due to an injury. When you're already sitting on a nice bank account, is it worth it? That's Mat's big question right now, nothing else. Give him a break, I don't think he's hung them up for good, he needs time and let's all move on.
edit reply
Submitted by joeybarrie on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 21:32.
He insinuated last july that he wanted to make a serious decision. He wanted to make a commitment. If he couldn't do it, then he didn't want to play. He didn't want to disrespect his career and the sport by not being in it 100% and being ABLE to give it 100%. Well if your not training and waiting around for 2 months....GUESS WHAT. YOUR FLIP FLOPPING on wanting to make a serious decision. He hasn't made one... He's a joke. A punch line now. It's sad. He couldn't be a MAN and make a damn decision...I've lost alot of respect.
Submitted by madhabsfan on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 22:28.
Exactly!
This is about being honest with the league and its fans. Deciding whether or not to retire is hard for any player. He just has to stopping wining and make the damned decision. Imagine if every good player pulled this crap. Or even worse, imagine if every good player did what Selanne and Niedermayer did. This is BS, and I'm sure a lot of NHL players are thinking the same. Be a man and face the music Mats!
Submitted by Moey on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 22:07.
He wasn't in the last few games of the season. He had an injury. Has it ever occured to you that maybe it still is an issue, it could be from week to week. If you listen to BG's audio he mentions that sometimes the indecision is due to an injury. When you're already sitting on a nice bank account, is it worth it? That's Mat's big question right now, nothing else. Give him a break, I don't think he's hung them up for good, he needs time and let's all move on.
Submitted by madhabsfan on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 22:32.
Believe me, if he has an excuse like that, he'd use it!
Submitted by Chorske on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 01:20.
My personal belief is that those bumling fools in Toronto broke his heart.
Submitted by Vince is Possib... on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 19:24.
I think Sundin will wait until January to see what teams are for real, and then jump on the bandwagon. I will eat my words if I am wrong.
In this way, Sundin would not have to have his hopes up for a team (like Montreal) that is expected to do well, and then not make the playoffs. I don't think he feels another heart ache is worth the aggravation after sooooo many years of disapointment with the laffs. Hey who knows, maybe he will join Detroit for half a season, so they afford him!
So if the Habs are doing well...just wait and see what happens.
_______________________
"ITS NOT EASY BEING GREEN...FOR A SUPERSTAR"
Submitted by LatheDog on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 18:45.
If Sundin is questioning his desire and hunger for the game then I don't want him near the Habs organization. We don't need another floater on this team.
Submitted by Robert L on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 17:43.
Teeing Off A 100th Season
http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=...
Submitted by jrshabs1 on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 17:24.
What an idiot!!! Sundin looks like a bigger moron than Favre. What is the big meatball going to do: anounce his return to the leafs riding a unicorn while angels play trumpets. Who bloodywell cares anymore what the big meatball does or doesn't do, I hope the Canadiens offer was off the table a month ago. I feel shame because I too was caught up in this crap and hoped the big meatball would land in Montreal but enough is enough.
Prediction: Habs over the Sharks in 6 without Mats Sundin
Submitted by Les-Habitants on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 17:24.
Honestly, at this point I think we have to move on from Sundin. He is a great center, but he hasn't trained that hard this off-season and he hasn't skated at all, by his own admission. If Sundin was 100% set on going forward, then by all means we should sign him but that is not the case. I don't want a player who is only going to be there 50% of the time...if he decides within this week, then fine, but otherwise we got to move on.
So what is plan B? I'd suggest 3 scenarios:
1) Trade for Mathieu Schneider: Giving us a great top 4 d-man who could improve our PP and replace the loss of Streit, plus generally strengthen our already good defensive corp.
2) Trade for Martin Havlat: While a big injury risk, when he's not he's an impact player. If rumors are true that Sergei might be moved to center, this trade would give us three very good scoring lines, and with him being a UFA next season the risk is minimized.
3) Re-sign Patrice Brisebois: Now, I was appalled with this signing last year, but he redeemed himself last season and did very well as the 7th d-man. He gives us depth, a known puck-moving defenseman that can step into the lineup if needed, plus also pushing OB, Cube, and Gorges to keep up a high level of play.
I think, after Sundin, these are our three best options, and maybe we'll do some combination of the three. I have been hoping for Sundin to sign all off-season, but with training camp so close its time to finalize our roster and get on with our lives.
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 00:07.
Les Habitants - I see you put a lot of thought into your post but i don't see the first two happening. I listened to quiet a few of the Ducks games last year and Schneider did not make the impact that they were looking for especially at 5.7 million and he's 39 and is small in stature. The reports , though scarce , finally have Havalat at 100% and the Hawks are excited about that and see him as a big part of their new surge for a playoff berth so i don't see them parting with him. Brisbois seems to be in Gainey's plans and i thought he played decent last year but i think he will stunt OBey's development cuz of whose behind the bench (ex roommate) and their close relationship and for a 7th "D" you don't need someone who is brittle , slow , soft and prone to making mistakes and i'd rather have Carle there than him as his style is similar to Breezer's game without the experience or have Val or any of the other minor acquisitions for the time been.
Submitted by Les-Habitants on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 02:13.
Damn, I thought I had heard Schneider had been a good addition to the Ducks lineup, just they couldn't afford to keep him, especially if they want Selanne and perhaps another forward.
The only reason I mentioned Havlat, as I had heard that too, is the Hawks are over the cap and they do have to move someone, although I guess they could have Khabibulin is the logical choice (despite Tallon saying otherwise)
Maybe the rumors about Lang going are closer to the truth.
I still think Breezer would make a decent 7th D, even though I'm worried also that he might get more playing time then he should...I'd still rather have him there then a rookie as our 7th D, despite being slow he still has NHL experience and we know what we get with him
Submitted by showey47 on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 17:22.
This sundin thing is getting riduclous. He has had all summer to ponder his future, he has had most of the spring also since his season ended back in april. So, we are at 5 months right now. If he still hasn't made up his mind about playing the desire is clearly not there. He either has a lack of desire to play anywhere else but in laff land or to play hockey at all. I wouldn't be surprised if he retires.
Submitted by HAB-PROFESSOR on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 17:17.
He is not going to say anything till after the Charity game that he has to play in Toronto this Friday.
think about it...why would he create a media circus about coming to Montreal when he has to play that game this friday in HOGTOWN...
relax, he will be here...didn't you listen to the President...
Submitted by cautiousoptimist on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 17:20.
At least I'm glad to know that if he ends up here, it's because he really wants to be here -- not because of the money, and not because he had no other options. If he ends up a Hab, he'll be a ferocious Hab!
1. www.flickeringpictures.com - not a hockey site, but still kinda neat
2. Josh Gorges on Montreal's attack: "They're comin', they're comin' and they keep comin'. Just line after line, wave after wave..."
Submitted by HAB-PROFESSOR on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 17:28.
I really believe that the Toronto "situation" is still very touchy to him and thats why he will not say ANYTHING till after that Charity Game this Friday. In fact he may be waiting to see what kind of response he gets from the fans, signs saying 'please come back to the leafs' etc...
you know it hasn't been mentioned but this Friday's game is weighing BIG on his decision.
Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 17:04.
I wish Habs announced already that they are officially out of the hunt for Sundin. I don't get him... what is he waiting for somebody to convince him that he wants to play more hockey?
Anyway... after all this I don't want him on the Habs. Same feeling I had with S. Neidermyer or Selane. Maybe I am old fashioned but I don't not all that crap where players sit around and wait half the season for teams to come and beg them to return to play.
Did it used to be like that in the old days?
Submitted by Mike on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 16:46.
completely unrelated but I feel that anyone that has 5 minutes to spare should read this.
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=845128
Submitted by Chorske on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 16:36.
GAWD, who needs this crap.
Let him drag his unprepared, unexercised, unspringtraininged, unmotivated, newly-wedded-and-thoroughly-whipped ass to the big apple. Hopefully right around Christmastime, for maximal disruptive effect.
I've officially lost any last vestiges of interest. At this stage he would be nothing more than a distraction.
Submitted by moser17 on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 16:52.
"unspringtraininged": Best Adjective of the Thread Award.
Submitted by Chorske on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 17:33.
At the risk of sounding like my grandmother: what was wrong with "newly-wedded-and-throroughly-whipped"? ;)
Submitted by moser17 on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 19:08.
mainly the aesthetic and grammatical solecism of four hyphens. :) But I also take exception to the implication of being married and being whipped. The connection isn't explicit, so you're mainly docked for the hyphens. Verdict stands on the Best one.
Submitted by Chorske on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 01:18.
Haha, in that case, consider the "whipped" statement withdrawn. ;)
Submitted by Fant-HAB-ulous on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 16:31.
He is totally playing a game –
He is waiting to see how the different teams swooning him will be doing in the first half of the season. Once he sees the standings all of a sudden he will come to a decision..
Submitted by moser17 on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 16:51.
You're right.
Submitted by HabsFansince49 on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 16:25.
please please please go away - we don't need Sundin. If there were a choice between he and Youpee, I'm with Youpee.
Let's stop the insanity of making Sundin newsworthy. Even Gainey, for whom I have much for, got in on the act last week.
He's a Leaf for God's sake and has anything good ever come out of Toronto?
Submitted by CHRISTIAN on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 17:26.
Yes. My Wife is from Toronto.......
Submitted by mrhabby on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 18:37.
my wife to.
Submitted by RudeMood19 on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 16:22.
Ridiculous. If I'm Gainey I go after Lang now or whoever Plan b is.
_____________________________________________________________
1. February 19th, 2008, a day which will live in sublimity.
Submitted by P St. Pierre on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 16:11.
I'm so sick of this whole situation. I'm beyond him coming to Montreal, but please for the good of hockey fans everywhere, make a decision.
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 15:37.
The sens obtain Ryan Shannon from the Canucks ..... http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Ottawa-Senators-Hockey-Club-8953...
Submitted by huge_polar_bear on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 15:08.
Is it just me or did he not say last year at the trade deadline that the reason he did not want to wave his "no trade" clause was because he felt that he needed to be with the team from training camp... And now no decision before training camp begins???? I think the writing is on the wall time to hang them up Mats, you're starting to trip over your own words. As for the Habs I'm glad that they seem to have moved on in terms of finding that elusive #1-2 center. I can't wait to see what the opening line up will be like. And if Bob wants to wait till the trade deadline to get that center then so be it...
Submitted by joeybarrie on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 15:07.
Now he has gotten ridiculous. I was a supporter of his while he was trying to decide. But now he is taking WAY too long to be taken seriously. It has become a JOKE. Either he wants to play or he doesn't. How long can it possibly take to make a decision. If the desire is there then go for it...If not stay home. The fact that he may not know by the start of training camp tells me he is not serious about this next season. If he isnt serious, hang em up... enough is enough. Two months of thinking and anyone with any situation should know what their next step is. If not then what the hell is in your head.... Cmon now, in 2 months I could plan for the next 20 years. 2 months to plan for 7-8 months of his future...Ridiculous.
Submitted by mrhabby on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 15:07.
on another note ben mulroney is a twit (had to say that)
Submitted by TommyB on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 16:20.
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Submitted by Cable Guy on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 15:01.
Well i think it's pretty safe to say he won't be playing this year. He said before if he went to another team he wanted to be with that team right from the start of the season on and it doesn't look like he's anywhere close to making that committement.
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 14:56.
The Prediction Game : Alex Tanguay will score 43 goals this season .. by Paul Kukla ..... http://fans.nhl.com/members/paul_kukla/blogs/19986
Submitted by Ed on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 15:08.
Wouldn't that be nice though! However, I doubt it as Tanguay's previous high was 29 goals 3 years ago with Colorado, & he has had some great linemates in his career. I hope that Habs' fans are much more realistic in our expectations.
Submitted by moser17 on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 15:47.
He's never had the chance to pick up the rebounds from a red-hot-Kovalev on the PP, and he's never centred the Brothers Belarus (which line combo Carbo will discover in November).
Submitted by mrhabby on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 14:48.
yawn, yawn.
Submitted by Morenz7 on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 14:44.
Un-buh-lievable
How'd you like to be M. Schneider right about now?
Submitted by PeterStone on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 14:41.
I know its dragged on and on .. and I agree with HABZ24 , that th desire isnt there ... I think the true test is in October ... if the yearning to be on a frozen surface somewhere in Eastern Canada isnt there ... then, hang em up ... I have a feeling that fire may rekindle itself then ... when its 30+ degrees outside, its easy to not be in a hockey state of mind.
having said all that ... if that desire does return, it is harder to get into shape when you are 37 than it is when you are 27 ...
Submitted by Greg on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 14:40.
Sure we'd all love to have Mats, but after 18 NHL seasons, he's earned the right to make up his mind when he wants to. He doesn't owe anything to the Montreal Canadiens or anyone. Good luck Mats in whatever you do.
Submitted by HABZ24 on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 14:28.
if he doesnt know by now, he doesnt have the burning desire to play.
Submitted by Koivu12 on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 14:26.
Mats is just being an idiot now. No more Matsoballs for sale.
"Give Koivu a Lifetime Contract"
Submitted by Sami on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 14:25.
Sounds like Mats needs a Ouija board...............or Karnac the Magnificent.
Submitted by moser17 on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 15:47.
We gotta send Kreskin over to Sweden.
Submitted by Corio on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 14:40.
Or a hard kick in the pants!
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