The Sundin Issue

Mats Sundin will remain a Toronto Maple Leaf for the rest of the 2007-2008 Season. Most Maple Leaf fans are happy about this, although some are not. Their main fuss with this issue is that Sundin is not putting the team first and they wonder why he does not want to win a Stanley Cup with a contender. Firstly, John Fergugson Jr. gave Mats Sundin a no-trade clause in his contract, Mats has the right to exercise this under any circumstance. He is simply following the basis of his contract. He is currently happily living in Toronto with his girlfriend and he has created a relationship with many Leafs players and personnel over the years. There is no reason why he should have to move. Why would he want to move to another team for three months to have the chance to win a Stanley Cup? It would have no sentimental meaning to him and he has said that. He does not believe in the "rental player" idea, he believes that a player needs to be with his team from Fall to Spring to really make a difference. I completely agree, he would not have the same bond with those players, and they may not feel that he belongs. He would be considered as an outsider who came in, while another one of their friends, who have been there since the beginning of the year is gone. It does not make sense for Mats to leave the Maple Leaf organization, and his decision should be respected by all. Especially Maple Leaf fans, he has given his all to this team, and the way he sees it is that his job is not over yet, a Stanley Cup is still due.