With the regular season just a month away, one big name remains unsigned. That, of course, would be Mats Sundin, who just can't seem to decide what he wants to do. Many are comparing him with Brett Favre, who could stake a serious claim to being the biggest drama queen in the history of professional sports. However, there's a more apt comparison for Sundin's current state; it's just not a popular one.
Roger Clemens.
People forget that Clemens was the first player to do the whole "I'm going to wait till the season starts, then name my team and my price" thing that's so popular these days. Michael Strahan got to skip training camp last year for doing this. Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer got heroes' welcomes when they returned to Anaheim last winter. Hell, Clemens himself did it three years in a row, culminating in last year's $28 million debacle. But hey, he got his money, right?
And that's what Sundin is banking on. He knows that if he waits long enough, someone's going to get hurt and that team is going to need a big-time replacement. Sundin, then, would essentially have the team by the balls. He could command that widely-reported $10 million figure and end up on a Cup contender, and all he'd have to do is be patient.
It looks like he's already got that part down; he's already stated he's not going to decide anything before the start of the season. And why should he? He's so much better served taking his time and seeing how things develop. There are plenty of teams with plenty of cap room - and plenty of holes to fill. Those holes will only get bigger as the season progresses. Why commit now when you can commit later, get paid (and treated) like a king, and still have a shot at winning a Cup?
In other words, we can stop with the "Sundin to the Islanders" rumors; they were comical at best to begin with. But could Sundin end up with the Rangers if they feel they still miss Jaromir Jagr? Absolutely. And if it happens, I just hope he shows up in James Dolan's press box at MSG to announce his comeback. "Well, they came and got me out of Stockholm..."
Now that would be an unforgettable moment.
Roger Clemens.
People forget that Clemens was the first player to do the whole "I'm going to wait till the season starts, then name my team and my price" thing that's so popular these days. Michael Strahan got to skip training camp last year for doing this. Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer got heroes' welcomes when they returned to Anaheim last winter. Hell, Clemens himself did it three years in a row, culminating in last year's $28 million debacle. But hey, he got his money, right?
And that's what Sundin is banking on. He knows that if he waits long enough, someone's going to get hurt and that team is going to need a big-time replacement. Sundin, then, would essentially have the team by the balls. He could command that widely-reported $10 million figure and end up on a Cup contender, and all he'd have to do is be patient.
It looks like he's already got that part down; he's already stated he's not going to decide anything before the start of the season. And why should he? He's so much better served taking his time and seeing how things develop. There are plenty of teams with plenty of cap room - and plenty of holes to fill. Those holes will only get bigger as the season progresses. Why commit now when you can commit later, get paid (and treated) like a king, and still have a shot at winning a Cup?
In other words, we can stop with the "Sundin to the Islanders" rumors; they were comical at best to begin with. But could Sundin end up with the Rangers if they feel they still miss Jaromir Jagr? Absolutely. And if it happens, I just hope he shows up in James Dolan's press box at MSG to announce his comeback. "Well, they came and got me out of Stockholm..."
Now that would be an unforgettable moment.
With Niedermeyer though, he wasn't even a free agent. He was under contract at the time, while atleast Selanne was a free agent.
ReplyDeleteOh, and my hatred for Roger Clemens rivals that of Gwenyth Paltrow, Madonna, and Jessica Simpson.