Freddie P's Blog

November 1, 2008 @ 22:16

It was early in the third period last night, before the Maple Leafs remarkable comeback against the New York Rangers. A thought ran through my mind and then I made it verbal to Neighbour John.

"The Leafs better not bring Mats Sundin back to this team."

Even though the Leafs were losing 2-0 at the time, they were still playing a pretty good game, the type of game that's become standard so far this season, hard work and perseverance.

The Leafs have exceeded expectations to this point, and who knows, within a couple of weeks they could be mired in a horrible slump. But that doesn't matter, because either way they can't lose.

If the Leafs continue to play well, we've been entertained, but if they go into the dumper that's OK too, because it means they'll get a decent draft choice.

But regardless of what unfolds in the next few weeks, one thing is certain, the last thing they need is Mats Sundin.

If the over-rated former captain returned, he would probably have an adverse affect on the team. Like he did on a few playoff series where he was injured and then returned only to have the team play worse.

Good or bad it's a new era for the Leafs. They've dumped some baggage and taken on a new "culture" and whether they make the playoffs this year or finish dead last, it's something they have to do. Go forward and not look back.

They're a new team with a new direction with new leadership. The last thing they need to do is get stupid and think that re-signing Sundin will take them to a new level or make them into something they aren't.

Sundin screwed the team last spring by not accepting a trade, and he's currently screwing around with several teams by not making a decision about a return.

It bothers me that the Leafs haven't named a new captain yet. They're naming monthly captains and right now the title belongs to Nik Antropov. I have the feeling they won't commit to a full time captain because it's in the back of somebody's mind at MLSE that Sundin might return.

Let's hope not. It would be a giant step backwards.