Pick a team, Mats

I know the hockey world awaits Mats Sundin's arduous choice of which team he'll play for next season -- if he'll play at all.

The New York Post is reporting that the Rangers are Sundin's top choice.

The Toronto Star said today that six teams are still in the running and Sundin is still trying to make a decision.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Wednesday that the Flyers are one of the teams but that they would have trouble fitting Sundin in under the salary cap.

Don't you wish you had such problems?

---Mike Harrington

Comments

[jan]

Jerry, I agree with you -- sign pominville.

[Jerry's Tweed Jacket]

Mats Sundin AKA the NHL's ManRam - who cares! Where do the Sabres stand on locking up Pominville? Enough with the platinum ticket packages and new third jersey, sign #29 and make him the captain.

[jan]

somebody needs to give him a deadline. hey, Mats, make a decision -- are you playing or retiring? unfortunately, he's in control.

[ElmaGolf]

"I hate, no I DETEST the ice that he skates on."

Excuses - this is probably one thing we agree 100% on. I wouldn't want him just because he's so despicable.

He is constantly $ucker-punching players in scrums and giving cheap-shots behind the play. Throw in his constant whining and you have a hateful combination.

[Stanley Cupless]

The bum should just retire. If you don't know if you're going to play anymore you should just give up and retire. Clearly, he doesn't have what it takes anymore.

[Buffalo Excuses]

While this runs contrary to what I have posted, I do have my limits. I hate, no I DETEST the ice that he skates on. In fact, I like hating him. So I would be doubly disappointed to have him on The Excuses.

The only guy I would like to see least as an excuse is Alfreddson. Well, then there's Darcy Tucker, and then of course Sean Avery and then there's Ovechkin. This isn't going like I planned....

Seriously, how can you possibly sign a guy who can't make up his freaking mind? Perhaps he has lost, I don't know....HEART!?! Fit right in with The Excuses....

IMO, anyone who is that undecided at that point in their career has already decided. They just won't admit it to themselves. I pity the team that signs him. Only team that makes sense is Toronto. But after what Favre did to Green Bay, anything is possible with these guys. The only thing bigger than their egos is their wallets.

[greg]

I see I rattled Excuses cage. Suprised Elma hasn't chimed in as of yet. Hopefully it's because he is golfing. As for Henry, I think you guys got him so confused, he's sitting in a corner, somewhere drooling & mumbling to himself. Looking forward to more banter from all. Keep up the good work.

[Chad]

Excuses, I'm not spinning at all. Based on prior experience (read: this whole summer), you can't tell me that if Philly or NYR signs Sundin for around $2 mil/year, and I can't see how either could spend more than that without unloading a fairly hefty salary, that some people won't come in and say "hey, why didn't we make a run at Sundin, we have more money available than either of those two teams." In fact, I even think that Sundin is one of those few short-term signings you so often pine for that could definitely help the team.

My point was only that some people would complain that Buffalo didn't pursue him. That comment was directed at people like Henry, for instance. That guy probably questions and ridicules what Darcy eats for lunch each day. That's his right and he certainly exercises it liberally. Sundin signing with a conference rival for below market would be a softball for him. After reading Henry's comments, do you disagree with that? I'm not passing on whether one should or should not ridicule the team for not pursuing Sundin, only that it will inevitably happen (be it now or during the season when Sundin hurts the Sabres).

Finally, I find it odd that you wouldn't want Sundin "at any price." I don't like the guy either, but it's business and he'd help the team significantly. Besides, with the exception of Hossa, Sundin is better than every other player who signed a 1-year deal or 2-year deal.

[Buffalo Excuses]

Chad,

Nice diversion tactic you picked up at the latest excuses marketing meeting....Keep repeating that those of us who challenge management's commitment to winning the cup will complain about anything. Very good spin. Makes me more convinced that our owner/your boss is more interested in politics than winning a Stanley Cup. And he knows more about that!

No one wants Sundin in Buffalo, at ANY price.

Stay tuned for next weeks lesson: "How to lie like a lawyer...The "truth" behind our excuses".

[eric]

Maybe Sundin is the exception that proves Mac's rule; Mats dilemma is that he really wants to play for Les Nordiques!

Seriously, what's the difference if Sundin signs July 1st or the beginning of training camp? It's not like he's missing time studying the playbook or that he won't be prepared. The guy is quite possibly a hall-of-famer, with diminished but still world-class skills, and there's no reason to resent highly-skilled employees whose services are desired by multiple businesses. It happens in the real world as well, so stop lamenting the time when employers gave you a job for life and get in touch with the real world.

[Kent]

I think after Mats signs we will see a lot more movement, via trades and free agent signings around the league. Teams like Vancouver are waiting for him to decide before they go to plan "B".

[Dave]

It'd be fitting if the Rangers picked up Sundin. Only thing the Rangers don't seem to understand it that signing these veteran free agents in an attempt to win a cup really doesn't work. So go ahead, New York. Sign Mats to more than he's worth and have another fun year not quite making it through the playoffs. Typical NYC sports team - just throw enough money into things, and everything will work out.

[Chad]

Greg, I am personally aware of the circumstances which would keep Sundin away. That said, some will be up in arms if the Flyers or Rangers, both of whom have less cap room than the Sabres, sign him on the cheap. The "Buffalo could have had him for $_______" posts will be coming, without regard to the obvious fact that he doesn't want to play for a big Leafs rival.

[greg]

Chad, Chad, Chad. If Mats won't go to Montreal, he sure won't come here with the rivalry between our cities. He would get heckled here (if not more) than as much as he would get it at the ACC. Though, dare I say. He would fit in here, as we could use another top line center with some leadership skills. I imagine this should bring out some of the familiar posters here with their thoughts.

[Chad]

I look forward to the "why didn't the Sabres pursue Sundin" backlash on these boards if he signs with the Rangers or Flyers, as reported.

[Heather B.]

I had Mats back on the whole refusing to waive his no-trade clause at the deadline but seriously, pick a team or just retire already, ya friggin' d-bag!

[Mac]

Professional athletes will continue to pull this crap as long as professional sports franchises permit it. Brett Favre played headgames with Green Bay all summer before ending up in New York. I guess Sundin is looking to follow him to the Big Apple.

I'm actually tired of having to lament the days of athletes feeling some semblance of loyalty to the team who drafted and signed them. For the most part, modern professional athletes are just a bunch of prima donnas out for money and self-aggrandizement (while not otherwise involved in illegal activities). Does anyone actually look up to these clowns anymore? I know I don't and haven't in a long time.

[Craig]

You know, it's really sad actually. This should have been done with on July 1st - maybe within the week after that. He had plenty of time after the season ended (with Toronto not making the playoffs) to make a decision. But drawing it out like this is ridiculous. If he still hasn't made a decision, he made have real reservations..he might not come back at all.