Mats Sundin To the Habs

Prior to the draft, there were rumors making the rounds that the Toronto Maple Leafs who are aiming to get younger, have surprisingly given their rivals the Montreal Canadiens permission to talk with Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin before he hits the free agent market.

Sundin, who has been a loyal performer in the blue and white since coming over from the Quebec Nordiques in 1994, could have been traded to the Montreal Canadiens or the Detroit Red Wings at last year’s trade deadline but decided despite heavy criticism from the Toronto media to exercise his no-trade clause. Despite being offered by the Leafs a one year 7 million deal, Sundin has stuck to his guns of taking his time and weighing his options before making any decisions. That being said, the big Swede spoke to Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey late last week and will continue to negotiate. “We have given Montreal the exclusive rights to talk to him until 12 noon on July 1 when he becomes a free agent,” said Leafs general manager Cliff Fletcher. “I have nothing to say about it all.” “That’s the only thing I’ll say.” “It’s not in my best interest to say anything else.” “It’s not in Montreal’s best interest and not in Mat’s best interest.” To create an early signing, Toronto would have to trade Sundin’s negotiating rights to Montreal to facilitate an early signing. Over his career Sundin who notched 78 points in 74 games has accumulated 1.321 points in 1,305 NHL career games. Mats Sundin

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