An excerpt from the Boston Globe (Fluto Shinzawa):

Second, Mats Sundin has pledged to make a decision on his future by Friday, which should let loose a torrent of activity for the clubs that lose out on the pivot’s services – if, in fact, the big Swede decides to return to the NHL.

“I think it has a tremendous effect,” said Chiarelli on how Sundin’s decision has affected the market. “Starting from July 1, you saw an ebb and flow of signings. It has a tremendous effect. It’s certainly within his rights to wait and make a choice. He’s a tremendous player who had a tremendous year.”

If Sundin doesn’t retire, Vancouver and Toronto are believed to have the strongest chances of landing the center, although Montreal and the Rangers could also remain in the mix.

Habster:

There is no question that teams involved in the Mats Sundin sweepstakes will have money to spend once he makes a decision where he’s going tp play.

Two of the three players (Gillis, Gainey and Fletcher) vying for Sundin’s services will want to strengthen their team and will have the available cap space to do so.

Vancouver Canucks will have roughly $10 million to throw around or swing a deal (i.e- Antoine Vermettre and/or Michael Nylander come to mind) for some much needed offensive punch.

Meanwhile, Cliff Fletcher has approximately $6.5 million to play with if Mats finally cuts his TO ties. The Toronto Maple Leafs still need to continue upgrading their roster especially at the forward position where goals will be hard to come by.

If Sundin does decide to remain in TO or move to the west coast, then Bob Gainey will have some decisions to make with his roster. Does he try to further upgrade his already solid roster or does he give some of his own prospects (Chipchura, Lehoux, Pacioretty or Maxwell come to mind) a shot at making the big club.

I would think the later option is less feasible than trying to sign or acquire a more established NHL player especially to add more size at the center position. The Montreal Canadiens have roughly $6.5 million of available cap space and have enough room to add another player via the trade route.

Gainey could also start the season with the players he presently has and re-evaluate where the team needs to upgrade during the season. He is smart enough to understand that he needs some cap wiggle room in case of injuries or to rent a player at the trade deadline for the late season push towards the playoffs.

One thing is certain, Bob Gainey never makes a move/trade in a “knee jerk” reaction way after losing out on a bidding war for an UFA. He will look at other options and may even have a plan “B” in place if the Sundin goes to less greener pastures in Toronto or Vancouver.