Faceoff Factor

Sundin Made A List And Is Checking It Twice

Matt Bodenschatz | National Hockey League

Dec 17, 12:30 PM | Hype this story!

Mats Sundin has been out of hockey since last spring, but with word that he has narrowed his list to two teams, the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks, it appears the Swedish legend could find himself a new home within days.

Clearly, the Sundin saga has drug on since July 1, with nearly every team showing some form of interest in the aging, yet still talented, forward.

Vancouver reportedly has a $10 million per season offer on the table, while New York’s offer is significantly more modest, rumored to be in the $4-$5 million range.

Ultimately, Sundin’s decision will come down to salary or Stanley (as in the Cup).

Which team will be jolly, and which will turn into the Grinch?

So here is what we know:

• Sundin apparently has narrowed his list to two teams.

• Of the teams listed, one (Vancouver) has the cap space to make the acquisition, while the other (New York) must make at least one roster move to create salary cap space for Sundin’s contract.

• Since Sundin will be signing mid-way through the season, his contract will be prorated, meaning his cap hit will be proportionate to the number of games he plays.

• Sundin has not played a game since the end of the regular season, nearly eight months ago.

And here is what we want you, the reader, to answer:

• Will Sundin land with one of the “final two” teams, or will a surprise team swoop in and make an offer he can’t refuse?
• Who do you think he will sign with, and for how much and how long?

• If the Rangers sign Sundin, who seems most likely to be traded, demoted or waived in order to get under the salary cap?
• Will the Rangers be a better team with him than they are without him?

• If the Canucks sign Sundin, will they be considered a legitimate Stanley Cup contender in the Western Conference?
• Would signing him to a $10 million per year deal make sense for the Canucks, or would they be better served waiting until the summer to sign a younger free agent (Marian Hossa or Marian Gaborik to list examples), to a similar contract?

• Has Sundin acted selfishly in waiting to sign a contract?
• Does he still have what it takes to be an elite player, especially since he hasn’t played in so long?
• Will he be a welcomed addition or an extreme disappointment to his new team?

Lastly, the weekly poll:

Previous poll results:

What is a fitting punishment for Avery? — Full article

• Psychological help – 42%
• 5+ game suspension – 22%
• No punishment is necessary – 18%
• 2-5 game suspension – 11%
• 1 game suspension – 7%

73 total votes