A Bad Ending to a Terrible Movie
Posted 10:04 AM ET | Comments 0
"At least it's over."
That's the typical reaction after sitting through an awful movie...which, more often than not, culminate with an equally bad ending. I think the same can be said about the media-dubbed "Mats Sundin Saga".
Is there a bigger hypocrite in the NHL right now? I don't think so. He may not be quite as bad as Brett Favre in that regard, but Mats Sundin's decision-making and thought process since the end of last season can be called questionable to say the least. Some, myself included, can even go as far as calling it disgraceful...and with good reason. And for those of you who don't know me by now, please note that I am not a scorned Canadiens fan. My opinions are those of a hockey fan who has grown tired of Sundin's disregard for everyone but himself. Sure, he's entitled to be a little bit selfish at this point in his career. After all, he became a UFA on July 1st, which combined with his status and skill level, enables him to write his own ticket. However, I am thouroughly disappointed with his deception and lack of moral fiber.
Sundin is the one who said last season he refused to be a rental player, which is why he refused to drop his NTC when Toronto attempted to trade him in the hopes of putting the rebuilding blocks in place for this season.
Sundin is the one who said he would not join a team midway through the season, because team success is something he wants to participate in from the outset of training camp.
Sundin and his agent are the ones who misled the entire hockey world all summer by repeatedly pushing back "d-day".
Sundin's agent (aka mouthpiece), J.P. Barry, is the one who said that Mats would more than likely sign with an Eastern Conference team, citing travel issues as a major factor.
And, finally, Sundin is the one who fueled speculation as to where he would end up by showing up to "work out" in California, and by repeatedly meeting with different GMs.
All things considered, the problem lies with the NHL not having a set deadline for free agents signing new contracts and coming on board with a team...but the Sundin camp must also share some of the blame. Since July 1st, Sundin and his agent acted just like a famous kind of woman: a royal c*cktease. Get what you want by leading everyone on, knowing full well what your intentions really are. The media and alot of fans took the bait, leading many of us into a downward spiral of endless speculation, pointless reasoning, frustration, and deception.
Mats Sundin obviously has the right to play for the Canucks, but he went about it the wrong way. He should simply have signed with Vancouver when they made their big-money offer on July 1st. Instead, his inability to make a decision and maintain his dignity became the most annoying non-story in NHL history.
Congratulations to the Vancouver Canucks for landing a prom date with the school's biggest tease!
Boo to Mats Sundin for turning his back on the team who helped him become the player he is (Toronto), and also for ultimately leading us down the same path next off-season. Mats, you are truly pathetic. Do us all a favour and stay in Sweden next summer...I hope you never win a Stanley Cup.
That's the typical reaction after sitting through an awful movie...which, more often than not, culminate with an equally bad ending. I think the same can be said about the media-dubbed "Mats Sundin Saga".
Is there a bigger hypocrite in the NHL right now? I don't think so. He may not be quite as bad as Brett Favre in that regard, but Mats Sundin's decision-making and thought process since the end of last season can be called questionable to say the least. Some, myself included, can even go as far as calling it disgraceful...and with good reason. And for those of you who don't know me by now, please note that I am not a scorned Canadiens fan. My opinions are those of a hockey fan who has grown tired of Sundin's disregard for everyone but himself. Sure, he's entitled to be a little bit selfish at this point in his career. After all, he became a UFA on July 1st, which combined with his status and skill level, enables him to write his own ticket. However, I am thouroughly disappointed with his deception and lack of moral fiber.
Sundin is the one who said last season he refused to be a rental player, which is why he refused to drop his NTC when Toronto attempted to trade him in the hopes of putting the rebuilding blocks in place for this season.
Sundin is the one who said he would not join a team midway through the season, because team success is something he wants to participate in from the outset of training camp.
Sundin and his agent are the ones who misled the entire hockey world all summer by repeatedly pushing back "d-day".
Sundin's agent (aka mouthpiece), J.P. Barry, is the one who said that Mats would more than likely sign with an Eastern Conference team, citing travel issues as a major factor.
And, finally, Sundin is the one who fueled speculation as to where he would end up by showing up to "work out" in California, and by repeatedly meeting with different GMs.
All things considered, the problem lies with the NHL not having a set deadline for free agents signing new contracts and coming on board with a team...but the Sundin camp must also share some of the blame. Since July 1st, Sundin and his agent acted just like a famous kind of woman: a royal c*cktease. Get what you want by leading everyone on, knowing full well what your intentions really are. The media and alot of fans took the bait, leading many of us into a downward spiral of endless speculation, pointless reasoning, frustration, and deception.
Mats Sundin obviously has the right to play for the Canucks, but he went about it the wrong way. He should simply have signed with Vancouver when they made their big-money offer on July 1st. Instead, his inability to make a decision and maintain his dignity became the most annoying non-story in NHL history.
Congratulations to the Vancouver Canucks for landing a prom date with the school's biggest tease!
Boo to Mats Sundin for turning his back on the team who helped him become the player he is (Toronto), and also for ultimately leading us down the same path next off-season. Mats, you are truly pathetic. Do us all a favour and stay in Sweden next summer...I hope you never win a Stanley Cup.