The Mats Sundin Saga
July 23, 2008
The people in Toronto must not be enjoying how the whole Mats Sundin story is playing out. Sundin has been playing for Toronto for the last 13 seasons, and the fans in Toronto would cringe to see him play for the rival Vancouver Canucks. But, Sundin hasn’t even admitted that he is playing at all. So is he? Or isn’t he?
One report surfaced a couple of weeks ago that had Vancouver offering Sundin $10 million per season to play there, but Sundin didn’t budge. It’s pretty much common knowledge that Vancouver is offering the most lucrative deal, but Sundin refuses to admit that he is leaning towards playing there, or anywhere for that matter.
Initially, Sundin preferred the Rangers, but I guess the interest was not mutual, because the Rangers added Marcus Naslund, and I don’t think they would have the cap room to add a guy like Sundin.
Toronto is still in it too. Sundin has said that they are still players for his services.
It looks like Vancouver is the most likely scenario, but retirement could be an option as well. My gut is telling me that Sundin is going to go with the green, and sign a contract to play for the rival Vancouver Canucks, and then the Canucks announcers will have a field day pronouncing a line of Mats Sundin, Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. We will have to wait and see what happens.
–MICHAEL GANCI
MAPLE LEAFS: Sundin Undecided
July 22, 2008
Free agent center Mats Sundin remains undecided about where or if he is going to play next season. There was a report that said he had signed with the Vancouver Canucks, but Sundin debunked that rumor.
BOTTOM LINE: The most likely scenario for Sundin is Vancouver, which is why all of these premature reports seem to be leaking. We will wait and see how this situation develops.
CANUCKS: Demitra Wants to Come Aboard
July 10, 2008
Free Agent Winger Pavol Demitra’s preferred choice with which to sign a free-agent contract is Vancouver, according to an interview he had with Vancouver radio station CKNW.
BOTTOM LINE: We can definitely see a fit there. If he is willing to take slightly less than desired, both sides will be able to make this work.
DUCKS: Likely to Sign Brendan Morrison
July 8, 2008
Former Vancouver Canucks center Brendan Morrison is expected to sign a one-year deal with Anaheim, according to the Orange County Register.
BOTTOM LINE: Morrison was a solid contributor a couple of years back, but he has been plagued with injury since. If he returns to form, this could be a solid pickup for GM Brian Burke.
CANUCKS: Luongo Only One Safe
June 18, 2008
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo has been informed that he is the only untouchable player on the Vancouver Canucks. They will explore trade options to try to sure up the holes in their team.
Bottom Line: Luongo deserves to stay, considering the fact that he has been a top five goalie for the last two seasons. For the rest of the Canucks, they will need to follow this closely, because if there is an offer that can dramatically improve their team, they will not hesitate to jump for it.
Playoff Hunting
April 3, 2008
The Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks have each clinched their division and currently occupy the No. 1 and 2 seeds in the West. The Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche occupy the next four slots and have clinched playoff berths as well, meaning there are only two spots not secured at this point. Currently, those spots are occupied by the Calgary Flames (92 pts) and Nashville Predators (89 pts). The Vancouver Canucks are breathing down Nashville’s neck (88 pts). That race may go down to the last day of the season, but Calgary seems like a foregone conclusion to be entering the playoffs.
In the East, only three teams have clinched playoff spots. Those teams are the Pittsburgh Penguins (100 pts), the Montreal Canadiens (100 pts) and the fourth seeded New Jersey Devils (95 pts). The three seed is still undetermined because the Washington Capitals pulled into a virtual tie with the Carolina Hurricanes with their most recent win. Both teams have 90 points, but Carolina has one more win under their belt.
The Rangers currently sit in fifth place with 93 points. The Ottawa Senators, who may have one of the biggest late-season collapses in NHL history going, are in sixth with 92 points. And, last but not least, the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers are tied for seventh place with both teams holding 91 points.
Depending on what plays out with the Capitals / Hurricanes battle, the loser of the two take the ninth seed, but with plenty of chances to get into one of the bottom seeds. The Buffalo Sabres are in tenth with 88 points, but will need Ottawa to complete their epic collapse to make the playoffs. Only time will tell and who knows, maybe someone I haven’t spoken about will sneak into the playoffs. We will have to wait and see. Until next time…
–MIKE GANCI
Read all of Mike’s blog’s at http://www.dailystache.com
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