Truth & Rumors > NHL

Habs, Wings front-runners for Sundin

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The Canadiens and Red Wings are rumored to be front-runners should Mats Sundin hit the free-agent market July 1. But there will no shortage of interested clubs. If Sundin tells Fletcher next week he wants to explore the free-agent market, the Leafs could also attempt to trade his rights before July 1 in order to receive some assets before losing him. One thing's for sure, Cliff Fletcher said, Sundin will not retire.

Detroit Free Press

Mats Sundin, AP Mats Sundin, AP
June 11, 2008  07:36 AM ET

It would be deliiously ironic to see Sundin in a Habs sweater.

June 11, 2008  07:38 AM ET

I'm so excited at the prospect that I left the "c" out of deliciously.

June 11, 2008  08:16 AM ET

Please Matts anywhere (even Toronto) but the Habs!!!

June 11, 2008  09:04 AM ET

Frankly I don't give two hoots where the Egghead goes just so long as he goes!
Hopefully Cliff can still get something of value for him by trading his rights.

June 11, 2008  09:10 AM ET

anyone but me think this isn't the best move for the Wings?

June 11, 2008  09:12 AM ET

Sundin in a Habs sweater? I can't see it. But it would add a bit of spice to the proceedings at his first game back at the ACC.

June 11, 2008  09:24 AM ET

Don't want him w/ the Wings - where would he fit? We've got enough strong veterans to teach the younger guys, need more up and comers I think. Just don't think there's a role for him in Detroit...

June 11, 2008  09:31 AM ET

Please for the love of god don't go to the Habs....I would vomit, and I don't even like the leafs haha

June 11, 2008  09:35 AM ET

Just don't think there's a role for him in Detroit...
----------------------------
You're kidding, right?

June 11, 2008  09:43 AM ET

I would normally jump at the opportunity of acquiring Mats Sundin, but he doesn't fill a role. Marian Hossa on the other hand...

June 11, 2008  09:49 AM ET

Okay...guys...As much as I know many of you are Wing fans...please bear this in mind...
Holland & Babcock run the Wings. They are arguably the best in the NHL at their jobs...The Wings are a front runner for Mats and its no secret they covet his services....
Please tell me you guys really are not seriously out thinking the Red Wing brain trust...If so, perhaps you want to re-valuate your views on this matter.
Just a thought.

June 11, 2008  09:59 AM ET

Looks like a buch of voltures fighting over road kill. But then, the Wings rescued Hasek from Ottawa's scrap heap, administered some CPR and rejuvenated his career so, you never know!

June 11, 2008  10:02 AM ET

If Sundin wants to get a cup in the autumn of his career, he should go to the Stockholm Redwings.

Habs will not win a cup in the near future.

June 11, 2008  10:11 AM ET

baunded--

i agree they're damn good at their jobs, but this has been the one weak spot for the wings brain trust over the years -- picking up big-name vets who don't pan out. i'm mostly thinking of goalies here like cujo, but there've been others. i just don't like the thought of an old team getting older, investing in a guy who's been up and down and might end up hurt.

redwing19 mentioned hossa, and i remember the wings were in the running for his services at the trade deadline. i doubt they'll be able to sign him now, but that's the type of free-agent they should be gunning for.

June 11, 2008  10:20 AM ET

Nothing against Sundin, but I just don't see how he can greatly help the team. Baun-ded, I guess you have a point, and if he is signed I'm sure Kenny Holland has a plan. Maybe the rest of the Swedes will help him up his play, especially Lidstrom? I guess I'm just a bit reticent to mess with success.

June 11, 2008  10:30 AM ET

here's a great column by buccigross that articulates why this is a bad idea

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=buccigross_john& id=3435303&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab5pos1

doesn't mention this move specifically, but does a good job explaining the economic approach and overall culture that's led to the wings' success.

it's interesting to me that because you can no longer accuse the wings of being the ny yankees -- because of the salary cap and because they've shrewdly drafted and developed so many of their top players -- the bitterness turns to accusations of "cheating." but i digress.

June 11, 2008  11:08 AM ET

I like the idea of Lidstrom and Hank being the leaders of this team. Adding in Mats as another leader I think will take away from Hank, who I think deserves to be the face of this organization. Is Mats going to come in and be fine with no letter on his sweater? Because I certainly don't want to see the captains changed from Lid, Hank and Dats.

I don't know, I've never really liked Mats. I've respected him, but didn't really see him as one of the players in the NHL that I liked.

June 11, 2008  11:47 AM ET

Hank:
Next year is the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Montreal Canadiens, and the last time the Habs won the Cup was the 100th Anniversary of the Stanley Cup (1993). Perhaps that's an omen.

June 11, 2008  12:04 PM ET

Sundin to the Wings? Maybe, but I don't see the benefit. To the Habs? Why take two steps backwards when the team is progressing like it is. How about Sundin to FL for Jokinen.

 
June 11, 2008  12:06 PM ET

Hank:
Next year is the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Montreal Canadiens, and the last time the Habs won the Cup was the 100th Anniversary of the Stanley Cup (1993). Perhaps that's an omen.
PopKing

Gonna take a lot more than omens.

They may have to sacrifice a virgin. If they can find one in this day and age.

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