Checking in with Mats Sundin ...
STOCKHOLM -- Mats Sundin got a rousing standing ovation from the sell-out crowd here at Globe Arena before dropping the puck in a ceremonial faceoff before the Penguins-Senators season opener.
A few of us had a chance to track him down before the game and, not surprisingly, his status hasn't really changed.
"There is nothing really new, I guess," said the free-agent center. "I'm just trying to figure out if I'm playing this year or not. We'll see how the next few weeks goes, if I can come to decision to play."
I asked him if he had a cut-off date in mind.
"Obviously, I need to make a decision in the next couple of months if I'm going to play or not this year, there's no doubt about that. We'll see," said the longtime Toronto Maple Leafs captain. "I want to make sure that physically and mentally I can compete at this level. If I can build the work to play in the NHL, I will."
But Mats, doesn't the start of the regular season this weekend ignite that passion to play?
"It's going to be fun to watch the game and it will throw some sparks on the fire, for sure," he said.
I still think he'll come back around December. Where? To be determined. His heart remains in Toronto, but if the Leafs are already out of it come that time, he'll need to cut the cord. Keep an eye on the Rangers and Flyers.
Pierre LeBrun
