MAPLE LEAFS: SUNDIN CONTEMPLATES RETIREMENT

Former Toronto Maple Leafs center Mats Sundin is seriously contemplating retirement rather than returning to the NHL, according to Toronto’s FAN590.

BOTTOM LINE: According to the source, Sundin’s workout regimen has been different this off season, maybe indicating that the all star centerman has finally decided to hang up his skates. We will update you when we have the final word.

The Mats Sundin Saga

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

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.

MAPLE LEAFS: A Cu-Jo Reunion?

Calgary Flames goaltender Curtis Joseph, who is a free agent on July 1, could be returning to Toronto to back up Vesa Toskala, reports Toronto’s FAN590.

BOTTOM LINE: They are looking for a one year stopgap option in Toronto, so Joseph is a logical choice. Justin Pogge should be ready for the 09-10 season. Don’t look at Joseph as a fantasy option.

MAPLE LEAFS: Tucker Says Goodbye

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Darcy Tucker will not be going back to Toronto to play next season. TSN.ca is reporting that the Leafs will buy him out.

BOTTOM LINE: Tucker has been underachieving for the last two seasons, so this move was long overdue. Tucker is nothing more than a third or fourth line player, but someone is likely to give him a shot.

MAPLE LEAFS: Rangers Talking to Sundin

Toronto Maple Leafs center Mats Sundin is in talks with the Rangers. In addition to New York, Montreal and Detroit were given permission to speak to the Leaf’s captain.

BOTTOM LINE: He becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and Toronto will be compensated if a team signs Sundin before July 1.

LEAFS: Trading Raycroft?

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Andrew Raycroft looks like he is on the trading block. There was talk that the leafs were going to buy him out, but it looks like they are thinking that they may be able to get compensated for him.

BOTTOM LINE: Raycroft has been disappointing for the Leafs, and a change of scenery would probably do him good. Either way, don’t expect Raycroft to be starting in Toronto next season.