Sundin’s Challenge
Ever since becoming a free agent in July, a long lasting saga has been unfolding at the fringes of the NHL. Firstly the question was “would Mats Sundin retire or keep on playing?” Time dragged on during the summer and no answer was forthcoming. Finally toward the autumn he set his sights on a comeback. Working out in Los Angeles, getting back in to shape, the rumor mill soon started to pick up speed.
Vancouver Canucks were quick out the gate, offering a reported $ 10 million salary and a two year deal. With the shortlist shrinking down from ten teams, only two now remain: Vancouver and NY Rangers. While the Rangers are an attractive offer for any veteran Hockey player; their salary offer is “only” reported to be between $ 5-6 million. They also need to free up some space under the salary cap. Perhaps moving several players in fact; Petr Prucha and Dan Fritsche may not be enough to get the Rangers back in under the salary cap. While Vancouver would seem like the more comfortable offer and is a pleasant city on the Canadian Pacific, they still come up short of the Big Apple when it comes to City drawing power.
Indeed, according to the Fourthperiod.com reports indicate that Sundin would prefer the New York Rangers. With a deal seeming imminent, the Rangers would be forced to set in motion their planned roster moves. Whilst roster moves may stir up some emotions – on the bright side they end up with an experienced leader and goal scorer; someone who could be invaluable for the Rangers in a potential playoff. Sundin’s agent J.P. Barry indicated on NHL.com that Mats might be ready to report for training by the 27th and is fully fit to do so.
There is still time for further twists and turns in this tale, but for now the NY Rangers seem to be in the driver’s seat and soon enough the NHL will have another star back ready to do battle. Winning a first Stanley Cup, or at least having a fighting chance, must be motivation enough for Mats to give it another try at least.
Being a N.Y. Rangers fan I can’t help myself but to hope and cross my fingers for Sundin choose this path, but it is difficult to see how the Rangers can free up the $$ to make room for Sundin.