Should the Senators Target Sundin?
From Ken Campbell at the Hockey News:
“Here’s another idea. The Senators should make a bold and concerted pitch to get Mats Sundin. Yes, Mats Sundin, the captain of their hated archrival Toronto Maple Leafs.”
While the idea most definitely holds some merit (Sundin has to be considered more valuable than Forsberg at this stage of their respective careers) there are also some stumbling blocks beyond what Campbell mentions.
Most notably, he suggests this move would (finally) trigger a necessary rebuild in Toronto but then argues the Leafs should hold out for Mike Fisher as part of the return package for their beloved captain. Fisher, signed for the next 5 years, he argues, could be an instant fit as the replacement first line center in Toronto.
Now, how exactly does this spur a rebuild for the Leafs? Replacing Sundin with a 27 year old would merely perpetuate more of the same in Toronto. If the Leafs are indeed out of the playoff picture as the trade deadline approaches, Ferguson (or whoever is in charge at that time) would be remiss if he did not at least discuss Sundin waiving his no-trade clause. All feel-good stories aside, it makes immense sense for the Leafs to bolster their youth and depth with a few extra draft picks or prospects rather than standing pat and missing the playoffs with nothing to show for it.
If Sundin continues to play the way he has, we’ll continue to see rumours surrounding him, of course. The flip side is that if Sundin continues at his current pace, he has a good chance of almost single-handedly dragging the Leafs to at least within spitting-distance of the post-season.