The media buzz regarding a Mats Sundin has been relentless for 2 months. That is all that is being discussed on the radio, TV and in print. It has really polarized fans between those who think he should leave for the sake of the team and those who believe he has earned to the right to decide his destiny.
I would love to see a package of prospects and picks that could turn around the Leafs but I don't think he should be traded. The Leafs have an ugly history of trading their best players when they don't want to go. Sittler, McDonald, Horton, Clark, Gilmour, etc. I don't even want to talk about how they treated Dave Keon. Isn't it time the organization did the right thing and keep this guy around until he is ready to retire.
Many fans were slow to appreciate his greatness. They said he was soft. A lousy captain and no leader. He has responded by putting together a career like no other Maple Leaf. In 13 seasons with the Leafs he has only missed 42 games. That is incredible! Here are his other accomplishments.
1290 games
547 goals
755 assists
1302 points
35 goals and 74 points n 83 playoff games
9 All Star game selections
15 overtime goals (NHL record)
First European to be draft first overall
Only Swedish player to reach 1000 points
1 Olympic Gold
3 World Championship Golds
1 World Chamionship Silver
2 World Championship Bronze
Next week the GMs meet in Naples, Florida for 3 days and rumour has it the Ducks are putting together a package that will knock the socks off of Cliff Fletcher. If it's true Sundin could be gone. So Saturday could be his last game in a Leaf sweater. Very sad.
