But Isn't Nikolai Zherdev Going to Wear Number 13...

Reports, false or otherwise, have the Rangers still interested in Mats Sundin, even with all the forwards and high priced players already on their roster. 

While I do doubt that he will play on Broadway, there is a chance, and we do know that he spoke to the Rangers' organization even before Toronto gave Montreal permission to talk to him. So, there is an outside chance.

Of course, the Rangers would have to move salary to get him there. And he would have to agree to a discount. Vancouver's $10M per year for 2 years deal is still on the table. Would he give that up to play for a chance at the Cup in Manhattan, even if it means taking less money than 2002 All-Star Wade Redden's $6.5M? Would Sundin also accept a one-year deal?

Part of me thinks the Rangers should give this up and continue with the rebuilding that has renewed the organization since the lockout. They have homegrown talent named Dawes, Callahan, Dubinsky, Korpikoski, Anisimov, Byers, Moore and Prucha who can put the puck in the net (yes, I realize they all will not be on the team come October). Those people have rejuvenated the franchise, and another big-name veteran would again delay their development.

Also, with 5 centers on the roster (Gomez, Drury, Dubinsky, Fritsche, Betts), another 3rd first-line center would be overkill.

However, there is no denying his skill, even at 37. He was drafted in 1989, a year before Jaromir Jagr, two years after Brendan Shanahan, and one pick before the Islanders drafted Dave Chyzowski (nice cheap shot).

His stats have never wavered. Most superstars tail off towards the end of their careers. Mark Messier had a great season in 1996-97, then never again reach point-per-game status, scoring 60, 48, 54, 67, 23, 40, and 43 points until he retired. Mike Modano, drafted the year before Sundin went 1st overall, had good seasons in 2002-03 and 05-06, but has been a damper on the team in other years. In Eric Lindros' last 2 seasons, he played a total of 82 games and scored 48 points, a far cry from his pre-concussion 70 points in 41 games in 94-95 and his 115 points in 73 games in 95-96.

Sundin has had a couple of off-years, but ever since his rookie year (58 points, 82 games) he has gotten atleast 72 points (47 in 47 in the strike-shortened 1994-95 year). He has averaged over a point per game every year since the lockout, an accomplished feat on a team that has been just under mediocre and missed the playoffs in each of those 3 seasons.

I guess I wrote this post to maybe convince myself that if I log onto the computer tomorrow and read "Rangers Trade Prucha, Sign Sundin", or I get a text while I'm Vegas saying "sundin a ranger, sweet", I won't be upset.

After all, he is a leader who stands up and takes responsibility. He's a Brendan Shanahan type player who will always face the media and take the heat when needed, except he can still play unlike the older and more-injured Shanahan.

I still think they should take the team they have now, but if they do sign him for one-year, it automatically makes them favorites in the non-improved East. 

Think about it: Pittsburgh replaced Marian Hossa with two former Islander journeymen. Montreal's biggest signing was Georges Laraque. Philadelphia didn't do much. Boston signed an unproven kid (Blake Wheeler) and bought out a veteran who will end up in Hollywood (Glen Murray). Atlanta is horrible. Washington didn't do much either besides locking up their own players and getting worse in goal. The Devils signed two back-up goalies and one past-his-prime center (Bobby Holik) and one solid winger (Brian Rolston). But besides Tampa Bay, who has really improved? Nobody. Whoever lands Sundin automatically becomes a favorite... unless it's Toronto, who might never be good again.