Here is a translated version of the Sundin interview from Hockeybuzz.com (Eklund and Bill Meltzer):
The following is Sundin’s interview in today’s Aftonbladet as translated by our Flyers Blogger/Swedish Translator Bill Meltzer. Great Work Bill!
http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/hockey/nhl/article2940655.ab
Sundin denies Vancouver move in an exclusive interview
Mats Sundin has not yet decided what to do about continuing his career.
“It’s not true at all that I’m definitely going to Vancouver. I haven’t yet decided if I’m going to continue to play hockey,” Sundin says to Sportbladet.
Mats Sundin was the NHL’ hottest player when the free agent signing window in the NHL started July 1.
Exactly one week before he became eligible for offers from other teams, Toronto’s archrival Montreal negotiated to obtain the exclusive right to negotiate with Sudden.
But the biggest bombshell was the offer from the Vancouver Canucks.
$20 million dollars– approximately 120 million SEK — for two years with the club.
Sundin would get up to half the sum in advance each season. That would make him the NHL’s highest paid player before such young superstars as Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin.
Now Mats Sundin breaks his silence after the reports that he was already committed to Vancouver.
“The team is unchanged and I’m still trying gather my thoughts and decide what I’ll do in the future. I’m going to try to reach a decision within the next few weeks.”
It’s been speculated that you might wait until well into the autumn?
“No, I won’t do that.I hope to make a decision about continuing with hockey in August or perhaps at the end of this month. If I’m going to play, it’ll be for the whole season. Then I’ll also be there from the beginning, when training camp gets underway.”
Flattered by the giant offerThere’s enormous money riding if you choice Vancouver?
“Yes. it’s flattering and a fantastic offer. It’s nice that a team thinks I’m that competent.”
But will the money play any roll in the an eventual decision?
“When you’re a professional hockey player, the money is one part of the total picture before a decision. But there are plenty of other things that play in as well. If it was only about the money, I would have already signed with Vancouver.”
But can you see yourself signing for two years as they offered? You had said before that you’d take it one year at a time.
“Yes, but it’s uncommon to be offered a two-year contract at my age.I haven’t thought that far at all, but obviously it feels flattering.”
Vancouver has put forth that there’d be an extra plus that you’d be able to play the 2010 Olympics on home ice if you accept their two-year contract?
“It feels very doubtful that I’ll play in any more Olympic tournaments. You should never say never, but it feels very far away.”
Is Toronto still an alternative?
“Nothing is out of the picture. I got got a very good offer from them also plus one from Montreal. But Vancouver’s contract was in a class by itself if you look only at the money.”
Toronto has brought in a lot of new players and let go of others…
“I haven’t followed it so closely, but Joe Nieuwendyk has come into the club’s front office, and he’s a fantastic leader and has got a real winner’s metality. I believe he’s going to help a lot in the process of building a club that’s strong and probably can fight for the Stanley Cup in the future. I believe they’re going to get a good team already this season.”
And of course I feel strongly for Toronto after 13 seasons with the club. It feel like home. But we’ll have to see.Pleased with the season
Are you surprised by the enormous interest in you?
“I don’t know if I’m surprised. I was very pleased with my season. And it’s a fine acknowledgement that so many have shown interest.”
What is it that you’re still considering that you haven’t yet decided to continue playing?
“I want to know that I’m ready to charge the batteries again before a long season and all that goes along with it.”Is your body OK?”Yes. I’ve managed to avoid serious injuries that would force me rest for a longer time. It’s mostly wear-and-tear injuries that the majority of players my age experience. In the hip, one shoulder and a knee.”
What are you doing right now?
“I’m just trying to enjoy the Swedish summer. It’s been pretty calm the whole summer. I’ve been out in the archipelago and been up in the North fishing.”
In one week at the earliest, Sundin will make a decision on whether or not to continue. A definitive answer on where — or if — he’ll play next seen will also come then.
Habster:
As I thought, the interviewer doesn’t even ask about the Montreal Candiens which could explain why he doesn’t talk about their offer. Very odd but we have to understand that the Canuck have 3 or 4 Swedes on their roster which helps drive the Vancouver interest in Sweden.