dennis.ca

After weeks of conjecture, speculation, and general mischief on behalf of the hockey media, it's official -- Mats Sundin is staying in Toronto.

I'm certainly not harbouring any fantasies about post-season prospects for the Maple Leafs this year. It is obvious to everyone, myself included, that the team desperately needs to be rebuilt... From the top down.

Sundin would have unquestionably fetched a lavish return on the open trade market, but it made me ill to visualize him in a Detroit, San Jose, or (especially) Ottawa jersey. After so many years of dedication to the team, city, and fans, Sundin owes the MLSE absolutely nothing. To his credit, he's been staunch in his assertion that Toronto was where he wanted to end his career.

Mats probably says it best in his own words:

"I cannot leave my teammates and join another NHL club at this time. I have never believed in the concept of a rental player. It is my belief that winning the Stanley Cup is the greatest thing you can achieve in hockey but for me, in order to appreciate it you have to have been part of the entire journey and that means October through June. I hope everyone will understand and respect my decision."

That statement perfectly asserts why Mats is a revered captain, a tremendous leader, and probably the greatest Leaf of all time.

The interview below from Saturday, February 23rd illustrates the media dogging that Sundin has been suffering through. Yes, he's paid extremely well to deal with this sort of thing, but he's much calmer than I could have been. A few of those reporters would have received much different answers from me (e.g., the moron 0:26 into the video).