Mats Sundin Opts Out of 2010 Olympics
June 22, 2009 by Jeanne Dupuis
Filed under NHL, News, Players
Mats Sundin has made a very mature decision – he will not be on Sweden’s roster at the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. The veteran center is, clearly, a great hockey player but I think he realizes that his country stands a better chance with him cheering from the sidelines.
At 38 years old, Sundin has seen better days and he has made it clear that his decision on the matter is final: "There will be no Olympics in Vancouver for me next year. I will not change my mind. I think it’s time that the next generation takes over. We have many good players."
While I’m sure he wishes he could join his teammates, he has the memory of winning gold at the 2006 Turin Olympics with his fellow countrymen when they beat Finland in the final for its second gold since 1994. "It was the perfect ending of a long career for Sweden, to lead the Swedish team against the best in the world and win Olympic gold for the first time when all teams had their stars playing. I could not have dreamed of a better scenario for my last game."
It looks like he’s also mulling over his future in the NHL. In talking about his possible return to the Vancouver Canucks lineup next season he said: "Absolutely. I will think about my fuutre the next couple of weeks. I will make a decision in the summer. I can’t say more right now."
image: TSN
