Rumor Roundup: Sundin watch continues
What kind of uniform, if any, will Mats Sundin be wearing in 2008-09. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Lyle Richardson
2008-08-04 09:55:35
The agent for former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin raised eyebrows last week by claiming six teams were interested in his client.
J.P. Barry confirmed the Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens are still willing to sign Sundin and while he wouldn’t name the other clubs (but admitted the Detroit Red Wings aren’t interested) it’s believed the Rangers were among them.
A significant problem for the Rangers, however, is they’re presently bumping up against the $56.7 million cap ceiling. With the price tag for Sundin believed to be at least $7 million for this season GM Glen Sather would have to dump considerable salary to free up the necessary cap space to absorb that contract.
The two Rangers with the biggest contracts are Chris Drury ($7.050 million per season) and Scott Gomez ($7.357 million per season), which are expensive, but could be of interest to the clubs that lose out in the Sundin sweepstakes should he sign with the Blueshirts.
Drury, however, has a “no-movement” clause that he probably won’t waive. According to NHLscap.com, Gomez has a limited “no-trade” clause whereby at the end of each season he presents the Rangers with a list of three teams he will not accept a trade to.
Sather however would probably prefer to retain Drury and Gomez, which would mean shipping out other players carrying big salaries (Wade Redden or Michael Rozsival, anyone?) or more than two players with less expensive contracts.
Concern over what Canucks GM Mike Gillis will do should he lose out on the Sundin sweepstakes has been a topic of interest in recent weeks in the Vancouver media.
One suggested option was Washington Capitals center Michael Nylander, as he might be bumped off the Caps’ first line by rising young center Nicklas Backstrom.
Nylander’s $4.875 million per season salary is considerably more affordable than the $10 million per season Gillis has on the table for Sundin, but Nylander also has a “no-movement” clause and probably isn’t keen to leave Washington.
Veteran wingers Glen Murray and Mark Parrish may have been bought out of their contracts, but they might not be unemployed for long.
The Tennessean reported last week Nashville Predators GM David Poile confirmed contacting the agents for Parrish and Murray, as well as those of former Preds winger Jan Hlavac and Martin Gelinas.
Offensive depth was an issue for the Predators heading into the off-season and with promising young winger Alexander Radulov bolting for Russia it’s become even more pressing.
The Predators might not be the only clubs interested in Murray and Parrish. The Canucks, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers might also bid for them.
Trades might also be an option for Poile to bolster his offensive depth. John Glennon of The Tennesseean suggests the Tampa Bay Lightning might be a good trade partner as the Bolts are top-heavy in forwards and lack blueline depth.
Wingers Jussi Jokinen and Michel Ouellet were oft-mentioned in the Tampa media last month as potential trade bait. The only experienced defenseman Poile might part with is Greg de Vries as he certainly won’t trade Ryan Suter, Shea Weber and Dan Hamhuis, while Kevin Klein and Ville Koistinen lack the experience sorely needed on the Lightning’s defense corp.
Poile might only be willing to part with defensive prospects or draft picks, but those might not be of interest to the Bolts.
Rumor Roundup appears Mondays only on thehockeynews.com. Lyle Richardson has been an NHL commentator since 1998 on his website, spectorshockey.net, and is a contributing writer for Foxsports.com and Eishockey Magazine.
HABZZ (Posted 2008-08-31 13:59:57)
Sundin: Do us all a favor and retire!!!! If I have to listen to the crap one more week I'll explode. With all the new signings and young guns coming into the league we need to get better coverage on them not the rambling on about this egotistical idiot. All he is trying to do is force the issue so he can pick the team he wants for the money he wants. This should stop teams from paying for negotiating rights because the players will just work the system to their advantage. I hope he signs and then gets injured and then maybe the owners will give their head a shake . They are still the ones driving up the salaries trying to sign all of these old players.
justin (Posted 2008-08-18 13:26:56)
habsFan I dont want sundin to play for montreal any way because its a rival hockey game and when we win the stanley cup and beat toronto every game next year we dont want that bum on my team. GO HABS GO
Desmond McKilligan (Posted 2008-08-15 21:29:22)
I'm a Canucks fan and would like to see Sundin here. But, I believe he will wait till January and sign with the team that looks like it will have the best shot at winning the cup. He's a great player, but, really, you measure greatness by the hardware in the trophy case, and his trophy case ain't all that great. Hey, Mats.....we've got the best fishing in the world, and I'm sure the Canucks can come up with a high-end fishing boat for you to use.
Desmond McKilligan (Posted 2008-08-15 12:43:09)
McCabe will undoubtedly bolt as far off the NHL beaten path as he can. Has there ever been a slower 6 million $ man? Not a chance! He was a stiff when he played in Vancouver, and he is now. Run! Bryan! Run!. No one will notice you float through the rest of your rediculous contract.
weeger (Posted 2008-08-14 20:43:51)
I have been a "RANGER" fan since 1956" and frankly I
never liked sundin and strongly hope he does not end
up in a ranger uniform.
joesph geiger (Posted 2008-08-12 14:05:54)
if canucks can sign sundin and possibly trade a d man and a forward to toronto in exchange for mc cabe that would be good chemistry for the team. having sundin,mccabe and wellwood already playing together its taking the best out of toronto and placing it in van.
D. Loewen (Posted 2008-08-06 23:08:25)
The Canucks should withdraw their offer. Spend the 10M/yr on 2 5M/yr younger players
scotty87 (Posted 2008-08-06 15:28:13)
Also I forgot to mention, 4 goals may not be so bad for a d man in 37 games....but -29?
scotty87 (Posted 2008-08-06 15:25:38)
lady boltsboyle: Boyle? One of "the best" defensive/offensive/scoring d men in the league?! He was -29 on the season with 4 goals....that plus/minus would scare the crap out of any defensive coordinator.
FR SHA (Posted 2008-08-06 10:00:09)
Could it be possible that Sundin appears to be indecisive on the advice of his agent? His agent is a well seasoned and experienced lawyer, who sees a great opportunity to obtain more money or other benefits to his client by prolonging the decision. I can't imagine a player of his calibers does not know at this late hour he can play or not. He should know his fitness to play and may have indicated to his local media his intention to play in Vancouver, but his agents in Sweden and in Canada jumped at the news and quieted that media down and made Sundin to reverse his announcement. They are negotiating with different teams, possibly for more money and other benefits like safety for Sundin similar to the one Gretzky enjoyed in Edmonton. It is terrible from the fans' point of view and the Vancouver management that they can not pit a deadline. Perhaps NHL should step in and set a deadline outlining that if by certain date the Free Agent is not signed he can not play in that season. This will expedite the decision process and save lots of grieves.
Herman (Posted 2008-08-05 21:52:34)
In other news..... Brett Favre wants to continue playing, John Daly tries to remain in the PGA and Michelle Wie wants to play boys golf. blah blah blah blah
Lady BoltsBoyle (Posted 2008-08-05 21:32:55)
Lightnings new owners .. had one of "THE, best " defense/ offense /scoring D- Men on ice.. Boyle. They now they what they deserve! Nothing!
Will they learn something about Loyalty ? I doubt it!
GO SHARK'S!
NO, I didn't renew my season Bolts tickets!
Karol (Posted 2008-08-05 21:14:48)
Must be slow right now, to talk and talk about Sundin! lol
Sens (Posted 2008-08-05 02:57:01)
Sundin should just retire
crazy canuck (Posted 2008-08-04 22:19:50)
sundins agent is just trying to increase the potential signing price and his commission.sundin was annoyed at fletcher and the toronto media at last years trade deadline so he feels justified in making everyone wait.he will sign a 1 year contract with a no movement clause with the leafs.
Lyle Richardson (Posted 2008-08-04 16:50:37)
doctorsorders & Brandon C: This is the first time since mid-June I've written about Sundin, and the only reason why I made note of him is because of his agent suggesting six teams instead of three are supposedly interested in him, with the Rangers rumored to be among them. That was the only newsworthy thing about his status that's been heard since the Leafs gave the Habs exclusive rights to negotiate with him in late June.
I have no intention of writing about the endless guessing game involving Sundin until something more newsworthy regarding his situation occurs short of his actually signing or announcing his retirement.
Brandon C. (Posted 2008-08-04 16:10:42)
Sorry Fred, I meant to address Leafs Fan. Thanks.
Brandon C. (Posted 2008-08-04 16:09:43)
Fred - that's fine, but i'm not sure I believe that either. When that rumor was abounding, the Rangers had room to sign Sundin, cut ties with Jagr, and do other things. Why didnt they, if it was a mutual admiration? Instead, the signed a D, and made a few other deals. Sundin wouldnt have been worth more to the Rangers than Jagr, and they knew that. Agents always throw the Rangers in the convo, in hopes of bringing up their player's price. Maybe pre-cap, NYR would have Jags, Mats, Aves, and Shanny, but it's just not happening. They chose (stupidly, in my opinion) to value the services of a puck-moving D over Jagr. I don't think Sundin was a real threat to be a Ranger, whether he wanted it to happen or not.
Joe Sieben (Posted 2008-08-04 15:22:01)
It seems to be emerging that Mats Sundin will not come to Vancouver. What is puzzling is that this longtime proffessional has not declared himself. Niedermayer's example, demonstrated last year, was roundly decried when he held up his team's off-season program. Sundin might be aware of Vancouver's earlier adventures with new owners and old captains. Messier had to play on years longer to make people forget that debacle.
Habs Fan (Posted 2008-08-04 15:18:53)
What suprises me is the lack of consideration for Montreal as a potential destination for Sundin. If he decides to come back, my guess (which is as good or worst as any) is that he wants the cup...he's thinking legacy for the last (or possibly 2 last years) of his carreer. Toronto is out, Canucks too (even though I think it would be a great fit!) which leaves me with Mtl (young guns are the best way to dynamise a few more years) where he can be a real impact. He can play the kind of tutor role he couldn't in Tor AND be the go-to guy down the stretch and playoffs. My only concern is the team chemistry...can Koivu, Sundin and Kovalev coexist???
Fred Bartsch (Posted 2008-08-04 13:53:44)
As much as Toronto fans want the PRESS to stop this over reporting on the Sundin junk, of which I agree, I also agree with Brandon that every (supposedly) major player will sign with the Rangers. I had hoped that I had seen the last of this business of the Rangers signing over the hill players for large contracts and longer years. This was expressed by our (Glorious G.M.) years ago, that we will NOT sign overaged veterans to HUGE contracts anymore and will build thru the draft and with smart but selective trading. Well I guess that theory has gone on the drain AGAIN, as we are back to square one what with signing overage useless veterans to large and long term contracts. Stanley Cup anytime soon? I don't see it! Hey but what do I know, except that it's already been (15) years since the last one. More losing years ahead!
Leaf Fan (Posted 2008-08-04 13:24:24)
Brandon, the Sundin to NYR rumor might exist because thats actually the team Sundin wants to play for if he doesn't resign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. At the trade deadline last February Sundin's agent asked the Maple Leafs for permission to express his interest of playing for them to NYR. The Maple Leafs agreed but NYR rejected the idea because they much prefered to acquire him via Free Agency (ie. now). He doesn't want to go to Montreal because its a Toronto rival. I think Sundin would be willing to take a discount of down to 5-6 million, the salary he made last year to make it happen. Realistically if the guy goes anywhere but Toronto its NYR. You just wait and see.
Brandon C. (Posted 2008-08-04 11:38:26)
Doctorsorders - agreed. And why does every rumor in the league have a possible destination for any player being the Rangers. It's just so cavalier that of course every player is going to end up on the Rangers - it's stupid. If the Rangers were going to fight to sign another $7M player, don't you think they would've locked up Jagr a long time ago? These rumors are started by moronic scribes who need to have the season start for them because they've run out of sensible things to write about.
doctorsorders (Posted 2008-08-04 10:06:23)
The hockey 'news' media needs to take a break from the Sundin story. Do yourselves and us the reader a favour and find something else to write about.
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