Sundin Meets With Toronto Maple Leafs Management

Former Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin was in Toronto today to take part in a charity game. He also took the time to meet with Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher, as well as Joe Nieuwendyk, the assistant GM and former teammate of Sundin's. If anybody was hoping for a decision on whether or not he would return to the Maple Leafs, they will just have to keep waiting. Sundin reaffirmed that he was still no closer to making up his mind on whether or not he will be playing hockey next year, although Cliff Fletcher was apparently quoted as saying that the door will always be open for him to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Reports have also surfaced that after meeting with the Maple Leafs, Mats would be on his way to Montreal to meet with Habs GM Bob Gainey. Though Habs fans may get excited about that, the meeting will likely be more of the same, in that Sundin will thank them for their interest, and announce that he is no closer to a decision. In my opinion, this meeting is a simple display of courtesy, as it was when he met with the Maple Leafs. I do not believe it is a sign that he is close to signing with Montreal, and Bob Gainey has himself been quoted as saying that Sundin's interest in his team is minimal. As frustrated as Maple Leafs fans may be with their former captain, they can take comfort that in all likelihood, Sundin will probably not sign with their hated rival. Well, at least not right away!

Toronto Maple Leafs Preparing For Life Without Mats Sundin

Though Cliff Fletcher has stated he will "leave the door open" for Sundin, it is becoming clear that the Maple Leafs will have to plan to move forward without him.
With his representatives saying he could now take as long as December to make a decision, Maple Leafs fans have become increasingly frustrated with Sundin's procrastination. First it was said he would decide in August, then by training camp in September, and now it apparently wont be before the start of the season. So much for his statement of wanting to be with a team from the beginning of the year. The Toronto Maple Leafs will be starting the season without him.

In order to fill the leadership void that will be created by Sundin's absence, Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson has stated that he is considering a "captain by committee" process, in which different players will all get a turn to wear the "C". While some Leafs fans might not like the idea of a rotating captaincy, I personally think it could be a good solution. I suspect that if everyone gets their shot at leading the Leafs, then there will be a player that steps up and proves himself capable of being the full time captain. If anything, it will give some excitement to this year's Leafs team. Aside from that, we can expect many of the young players to get plenty of ice time, and show us what they can do.

Who knows, if each player on the Maple Leafs steps up to prove himself this year without Mats, we could end up being surprised with the results. Though they may not look as good on paper without Sundin in their lineup, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still going to be a younger, faster, and tougher team than last year. Head coach Ron Wilson is also expected to deploy a very tight defensive scheme, which is something the Maple Leafs have lacked for awhile. Wouldn't it be ironic if all these factors come together to turn the Leafs into a surprisingly good team, while Sundin is sitting comfortably at home in Sweden. Then come December he may indeed finally decide that he wants to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but by then Cliff Feltcher may be closing the door and locking it shut.