Excerpt from Toronto Star (Kevin McGran):
While the Maple Leafs began to prepare for life without Mats Sundin, the Montreal Canadiens sounded increasingly like they were preparing for life with him.
Insiders say Habs general manager Bob Gainey will travel to Sweden this week, likely Wednesday, to have a one-on-one chat, having been granted the exclusive rights to speak with Sundin.
“Anything is possible,” said Gainey, who added he didn’t talk to Sundin yesterday. “Mats may decide (his future) today, or Monday
Habster:
At first, I was very skeptical about Bob Gainey chances of getting Mats Sundin’s signature on a contract and while nothing is written in stone (pardon the pone!!!), you have to be more optimistic with the news of Gainey heading to Sweden to talk to Sundin.
Sundin must feel the love and the fact Gainey is heading to Mats’ homeland is a very strong indicator how much the Canadiens want him in the Bleu, Blanc et Rouge.
The fact that Sundin hasn’t come out and said he isn’t playing next year or he won’t play for the Montreal Canadiens is a good sign that he is seriously considering the option.
There are also quiet whispers within the hockey community that have indicated Sundin’s preference to stay in the Eastern Conference with the Canadiens being one of the teams he would like to play for if he decides to return next season. Cliff Fletcher isn’t a dummy and certainly knows he has a better chance of making a deal with a team Sundin wants to be with.
There are rumours that Gainey has dangled Mikhail Grabovski and/or a second round pick in front of Fletcher if Gainey signs Sundin. There are also rumours of Christopher Higgins going to the Leafs but you could forget about that happening simply because Gainey and Carbonneau love Higgins’ leadership and solid two way play. Giving up Grabovski isn’t a bad investment for an impact player like Mats Sundin!!!!!