image: TSN

“I’m very glad that I played last season with the Vancouver Canucks and I think I needed that. But now with the season getting started again, it actually feels nice not having to practice every day and play games every other day so I think this is the right time for me… I’m obviously very grateful for having a chance to play in the National Hockey League and represent the Quebec Nordiques, Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks.  It has been a dream come true for me.”

Sundin joined the NHL in 1989 when he was drafted first overall by the Quebec Nordiques but then was traded to the Leafs right before the 1994-1995 season and stayed there until last season when he was picked up by the Vancouver Canucks.

He leaves with an impressive record:

• A Swedish league title
• World Championships in 1991, 1992 and 1998
• Olympic gold medal in 2006
• 1,349 points (564 goals, 785 assists over 1,346) which makes him 25th overall for all-time

He was never able to win the Stanley Cup, however.  Does it bother him?  “No, not really.  I don’t feel bad. On the other hand, I had so much fun playing in the NHL and I experienced so much, I feel I got what I wanted from that league.”

Well, I hope retirement works out for him and not to be a jerk but I do think it would have been better if he had retired last season as a Leaf instead of staying for a lack luster season with the Canucks.  Oh well.  He had a great career and I wish him all the best!

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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

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Toronto Maple Leafs

In eight games, the Canucks have just one win with Sundin on the ice.  Sometimes, he’s even a liability.  Last night, he was scoreless again unless you count the penalty he gave up that allowed the Nashville Predators to put one up on the board.  They ended up blowing a 3-1 lead and ultimately lost 5-3 to the Preds.  AT HOME! 

Need more convincing?  Sundin has notched just three points since he joined the club but he’s been in the box during four of the opposing team’s power-play goals.  How nice is that?

image: TSN

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The veteran centre hadn’t dressed for a game since the end of last season so it’s been a good nine months since he played and he looked pretty good.  It wasn’t anything explosive tonight but I’m curious to see what he brings to the table in the next little while…

image: TSN

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Toronto Maple Leafs

On Sunday, Sundin said: "I haven’t had one practice yet with the whole group and it’s going to be two days of real full practices (following tonight’s game).  I think then we can evaluate how everything feels. I hope I’m going to feel great after two practices and obviously I want to play as soon as possible."

So, it’s been two days and I’m hearing reports that Sundin might make his grand entrance on Thursday when the Edmonton Oilers roll into Vancouver.  Nothing’s guaranteed, of course, since he seems to want everything perfect for his debut: "Physically, I think I’m good," he said. "I just want to make sure that I am ready to go when I play. I don’t want to play and have some kind of problem as soon as I start."

Sometimes, the best thing to do is just dive right in…

image: TSN

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Finally, after what seems like years of speculation, Mats Sundin has chosen to continue playing in the NHL for an 18th season by accepting the offer from the Vancouver Canucks, which is what I thought he would do. 

In a statement, Sundin said:  “I am truly excited to be joining the Canucks.  Once I made the decision to return to play a few weeks ago, the Vancouver opportunity was simply the best overall fit. I want to thank Mike Gillis and the entire Canucks organization for their professionalism throughout this entire process.”

Canucks GM, Mike Gillis, said:  “We are very excited to have Mats join the Vancouver Canucks.  Playing previously in two Canadian markets and consistently being among team and League leaders in scoring, Mats has proven that he can excel under pressure. He adds a wealth of experience, leadership and skill to the Canucks.” 

I’m interested to see how he fits in with the club.  This is probably great news to many of the players in the absence of their star goaltender, Roberto Luongo.  I don’t know when Sundin’s first game is but I’m hoping to tune in.

image: TSN

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Anyway, the news now is that Sundin has narrowed his choices down to the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks.  The Canucks can offer more money but New York seems like a better fit so I’m not sure how this is going to go.  His agent said that he expects Sundin to make his decision in the next week so that “he can join one of those teams after Christmas.”

Uh huh… we’ll see.  There have been so many deadlines for his announcement (I was still remaining positive back in July when there were rumors of an August 1st decision) so it’s hard to really believe anything at this point…

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