Toronto Sun ( Lance Hornby):
He had tried to prod Sundin by giving the Montreal Canadiens exclusive rights to negotiate a trade before tonight, a move that would have given the Leafs some kind of return if Sundin signed. But Sundin’s agent, J.P. Barry, e-mailed the Montreal media last night to tell them Sundin hadn’t made up his mind about playing at all, trying not to offend GM Bob Gainey’s efforts to sell the Swede on the division champion Habs.
One report said Gainey was prepared to go as high as two years at $8 million US a season. But Gainey will look elsewhere after 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, while the Leafs’ war room plots its own post-Mats strategy.
Habster:
If this report is true, I doubt an extra $1-$2 million over two years will persuade Mats Sundin to make a decision sooner.It’s not about the money at this point in Sundin’s career but where he will feel more comfortable if he decides to play.