Eight reasons why Mats Sundin won’t sign with the Vancouver Canucks
Among many other things, 37 year-old Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin is one hot commodity in what still remains of this offseason’s rather modest batch of free agents. He’s also making a name for himself as a measured, cautious decision maker - perhaps approaching the point of parody. Of course, at his age and with his record, he can afford such indulgences.
If you’re a masochist, try explaining that to the fans and management of the Vancouver Canucks. Coming off a disappointing 39-33-10 campaign in the 2007-2008 season culminating in their second failure to reach the playoffs in three attempts, the Canucks are once again in the midst of a roster makeover with most of this decade’s core now flipping through real estate catalogues in other cities. Chief among them is Markus Naslund, who left the Canucks in July to find a new role in New York, thus leaving Vancouver without a captain.
Even someone who doesn’t particularly care about hockey can probably connect the dots. With a great payroll burden lifted and another losing season to erase, Canucks GM Mike Gillis has been going after Sundin’s contract hard, putting down an offer worth $20 million over two years. This would make him the highest paid player in the game… that is, if he signs. But he won’t. Find out why after the break.
