Sundin might be Broadway bound
Flyers also apparently in contention
Mats Sundin appears to be Broadway bound.
According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, Sundin is set to join the New York Rangers after they clear enough salary cap space.
Brooks also reports that Sundin’s No. 2 choice is the Philadelphia Flyers. GM Paul Holmgren has been rigorously pursuing Sundin in recent weeks.
The report also states that Sundin has no interest in joining Montreal or Vancouver.
The Fourth Period is also reporting that the New York deal is going to happen. Apparently the Rangers will have to trade D Michal Rozsival, who re-signed in July for $5 million per season for 4 years.
However, Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star reports that Sundin’s agent, J.P. Barry, has denied that Sundin is New York bound.
We’ll have to see who’s right here.
My view: New York’s offense will benefit with Sundin’s arrival, but their defence will take a hit with Rozsival gone. Rozsival is an under-appreciated solid D and a big-guy that can actually skate and contribute offensively.
On the surface, signing Sundin is a no-brainer, but the move carries significant risk in my opinion. Have the Rangers stopped to wonder about the status of Sundin’s health and whether he’s physically capable of playing from September to June, which he would have to do if the blueshirts are genuine contenders?
It’s not as if there aren’t any red flags on Sundin’s health. Losing Rozsival coupled with an injury flare-up to Sundin could kill the Rangers this year.
Cited sources:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/08172008/sports/rangers/sundin