An excerpt from TSN:
While Gainey has said he would be willing to wait on Sundin’s decision in the past, Barry suggested that Montreal is hoping to hear from Sundin, either way, soon.
“Gainey simply laid out in detail an excellent case for why Mats should play in Montreal,” Barry added. “He also explained that they likely don’t have the same latitude to wait too long and would like an answer quite soon, as they have other plans and options in the works.”
Also: Globesports.com: Tampa courts Sundin
Habster:
Let the daily Sundin soap opera continue, folks!!!! Like the Rangers, Tampa Bay isn’t in a great position to be making a pitch for Mats Sundin and his $7-$8 million salary demands.
Granted, the Tampa Bay Lightning have just over $2 million cap space available and would have to unload a player or two to accommodate Sundin’s salary. There is the possibility of Jeff Halpern’s $2 million salary being removed from the cap total if he isn’t fully recovered from major knee surgery (his recovery has reportedly been very slow and he could miss the entire 2008-09 season).
The Lightning presently have 14 forwards on their NHL roster (excluding Halpern) and could trade away a Jussi Jokinen, Michel Ouellet and/or Chris Gratton to free up another $2-$3 million. There is also the possibility of sending Steven Stamkos back to junior but I would be very surprised if they did this.
Personally, I don’t see the Lightning being a really contender for Sundin’s services but then again, who thought the Marian Hossa would sign a below market contract with the Red Wings or the Maple Leafs signing Jeff Fingers for a crazy 4yrs/$14 million or the Lightning trading for Andrej Meszaros at 6 yrs/$24 million……….I think you get my point!!!! Anything is possible in the soap opera known as the NHL