Senators Interested in Sundin
The Swedish Center May Return to Play for Ottawa in December
Nov 3, 2008
Maybe unrestricted free-agent Mats Sundin could ask Brett Favre for his advice about where to play this season. Perhaps, Favre would tell Sundin that a change of scenery is not as bad it seems. One thing is clear; Sundin is close to returning to the ice soon. A report surfaced this week on SI.com indicating that Sundin might resume skating in Los Angeles by mid-December.
Sundin and the Senators
This season Ottawa began its season in Sundin’s native country, Sweden, against the Pittsburgh Penguins. While the Senators sit in 12th position in the Eastern Conference, they are expected to challenge for a playoff spot this season. Unlike the Toronto Maple Leafs, Sundin’s NHL team since the 1994-1995 season, Ottawa was a playoff team last season and has hopes of returning to the Stanley Cup. During the 2006-2007 campaign, they earned a berth in the Stanley Cup Finals before bowing out to the Anaheim Ducks.
Daniel Alredsson’s Influence
Ottawa is the home of Daniel Alfredsson, another star from Sweden. Alfredsson has been a member of the Senators since he suited up for them during the 1995-1996 season. He is a fan favorite in Ottawa just as Sundin is in Toronto. The Senators’ captain understands the ramifications of loyalty to an organization even when there may be more money elsewhere. It is possible that he may serve as an diplomat in this matter.
The two stars are similar in age, have played in large Canadian cities that expect perfection from its key players, and neither has had the pleasure of raising Lord Stanley’s trophy.
GM Brian Murray Communications
According to a November 3, 2008 Toronto Sun article entitled “Senators Still Want Sundin” Senators’ General Manager Bryan Murray told reporters, "The only thing I would say is that we remain interested." The Senators remain interested in acquiring a center to solidify their playoff chances. Eugene Melnyk, Ottawa’s owner, met with Sundin last month during the Senators’ trip to Stockholm and is said to have expressed the club’s interest in Sundin. Sources say he's held regular discussions with the Sundin camp since this summer when Sundin decided to play the waiting game regarding his decision to return to the NHL.
Sundin’s Other Options
It is unexpected that Sundin will sign with a team that has no realistic hopes of qualifying for the playoffs. Not only will signing with a solid team enhance his Hall-of-Fame resume, it will allow him to retire on a high note rather than retiring on a non-playoff team.
Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto still remain viable Canadian destinations for the free agent while the New York Rangers may create cap space to add Sundin.
In conclusion, temperatures are getting cooler around NHL cities yet Sundin’s return to the ice seems to be warming up by the day.
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