AB Habman wrote:

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 Ferguson playing his cards right. McCabe has been saying what all free-agents to be say, that he wants to stay with his team but if it doesn't work out he'll have a chance at profiting after his contract runs out. It's a ploy designed to place the pressure on the existing team to sign before the contract runs dry. At this point, Ferguson can't bite and sign him because he may have to start unloading players. He'll use every single day of the trade deadline to evaluate his team. If they keep free falling, I don't think there'll be a happy medium for Fergy. Just like when he trys to buy a team at deadline, he'll go all out and try to dump who ever he can. The guy doesn't seem to use his brain and rationalize who he is loading up with and conversly I don't think it'll be any different on who is going to dump.  It's obvious that McCabe will be shoped to the highest biter but I also think Sundin will be on the block also. I say, we should make a pitch for this guy. If we could lose Ribs and Zed for this guy, then his 6.33mil per contract is somewhat off set by almost half that. Plus he wouldn't be a rent-a-player.  This guy would love to put it to the Leafs and show the world what he's made of. I'm sure by now, he desperately wants playoff success. Hate the Laffs or not, you have to realize that Sundin is a big, solid center that can do it all. Shoot, pass, charge the net or whatever it takes and a bunch of skill along with that huge frame.  Frankly I think he would offer way more than Joikinan(spelling?) or Richards who need new contracts. Also in comparison to our top players, his 6.33 mil/per seems like a bargain.  This sounds crazy but someone will end up with this guy, we might as well be that team. If it wins us a couple extra playoff series than he's all paid for the following season. Remember the hungry Primeau and what he did in the last playoffs. Imagine a hungry Sundin with twice the talent!  -- Edited by AB Habman at 19:38, 2006-03-03

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Don't think Sundin is going anywhere. Ferguson has shown absolutely no evidence of doing anything so radical. All his moves up until now show someone who is content to play it conservative, and don't forget his superiors, the ontario teachers pension fund are content with the big profits that come their way, and alienating the fans by trading away their favorites, is not part of their agenda. ( Example: Tannenbaum pressuring Ferguson to sign Domi to a two year deal this past offseason, even though Ferguson had serious reservations about doing so.) Secondly, as misguided as it is Ferguson has publicly stated that this team is a legitimate playoff contender!!! The signing of Kaberle a few weeks ago again is evidence of maintaing the status quo. Ferguson had his opportunity to gas Quinn a month ago when the Leafs were losing 8 in a row and he did not do it, so now he is stuck with him until the end of the year. Trading Sundin would take guts and have to be approved at upper levels,two scenarios that are not probable.

     It would be great to have a one two punch of Sundin and Koviu down the middle, but it won't happen. The only thing Ferguson will do is to try and find a taker for Jason Allison, and possibly Jeff O"neil. He may find McCabe's contract demands too rich, but if he traded Sundin the illusion that the Toronto front office always gives about being sincere about trying to win a cup would be removed, and there is no way they will let that happen....

 You just never know until you try. How many thought Boston would trade thronton! I understand Toronto have to show their fans that they maintain in good faith the will to win. In order to acquire value and youth, they have to give up value for a shorter rebuilding mode.

 I do agree though that, it's almost impossible to acquire from the same conference.

 Time will tell, what Fergy does with his team but I wouldn't be surprised if Sundin is traded.

heet_150 wrote:

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AB, Sundin has a no trade clause, and he has said publicly that he wants to play only in Toronto.  I know that what he says and what he will do, could be two completely different things.  But, if you were Sundin with a guaranteed contract, would you waive your no trade clause to go to an eighth place team? 

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