Hockey Trade Rumors

Yes it is a rare occurance when a Hab fan like myself writes an article concerning the Maple Leafs. To me, however, this article is more than just about the Maple Leafs, it is about a player I’ve always had a soft spot for, even though he plays for the enemy. Mats Sundin can crack the top 10 centers in the NHL on sheer consistency alone, his career point totals along with his similar numbers every season support this theory. In the end, with everything he brings to the table, he deserves to win the Stanley Cup, and let’s face it Leaf fans, it’s not going to happen in Toronto anytime soon.

Having said all that, to see a possbile trade go down for Sundin, some things have to go right, the main one being his waiving of his NMC. Now after doing some research, I saw what teams payed for players last year, such as Atlanta’s steep price for Keith Tkatchuk or even the Islander’s expensive playoff rental in Ryan Smyth. I also looked at likely candidates, cup contenders if you will, that Sundin would consider waiving his NMC to go to. After a quick check of the numbers involved at nhlnumbers.com, I came up with what I think are fair trade proposals all while taking into consideration cap space and Sundin’s market value. Because I also wanted to see what Sundin would be worth, I didn’t put together any pipe dream packages including Sundin and Kubina/Gill/Belak or any other player that teams wouldn’t be interested in, I only put Sundin going one way.

To Detroit Red Wings: Mats Sundin

To Toronto Maple Leafs: Jiri Hudler, 1st pick in 2008, 1st pick in 2009*
Cory Emmerton or Igor Grigorenko.

This trade might very well put the Wings over the top, the price might seem steep but it is right.

*. Conditionnal to where Sundin sign as a UFA this summer.

To Colorado: Mats Sundin

To Toronto: T.J Hensick, Jordan Leopold (to clear cap space)1st rd pick in 2008.

Toronto gets a high-end prospect with Hensick in this one, Leopold would solidify their defense core and they scoop up a 1st rounder.

To Dallas: Mats Sundin

To Toronto: Jeff Halpern, Jussi Jokinen, 1st & 2nd round pick in 2008.

Probably the less likely, not because of the names involved but because of how much cap room Dallas would have to clear in order to make it happen. On the other hand, the players Toronto receives would fit in very well with the team, drastically improving their shootout chances with Jokinen alone. Halpern would bring in solid 3 zone play with grit and speed.

To Vancouver: Mats Sundin

To Toronto: Alexander Edler OR Kevin Bieksa, 1st round pick in 2008, conditionnal 1st round pick in 2009 (depending on where he re-signs) and Michael Grabner.

Vancouver would have to squeeze some payroll out of their lineup depending on who they send between Edler or Bieksa. Either of those guys would be great additions to the Leaf’s lineup. Also, Grabner is another guy who would fit in well in Toronto.

I know fans from some of the teams mentionned will disagree with some of the proposals but keep in mind that a guy like Sundin, who is of superstar status, can easily put your team over the top. The fact of the matter is, you have to pay a high end price to get a high end player and we saw high end prices paid for mid level players last year. For those Toronto fans who are screaming for a rebuild mode can start to get excited as the trade deadline approaches. What is also fun to know is that if Sundin does manage to win a cup elsewhere, there is nothing that stops him from re-signing in Toronto in the summer. The way I see it, trading Sundin is a win-win situation for the Maple Leafs organization.

Thoughts?