Rangers interested in Sundin?

June 25, 2008   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

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Are the Rangers really interested in signing Mats Sundin? According to the NY Post’s Larry Brooks, that just might be the case. Though the Canadiens currently have a negotiating window before July 1.

The 37 year-old Swedish pivot has had an illustrious career playing first for the Nordiques and for over the last decade with the Maple Leafs. The nine-time All-Star all with Toronto all after coming over as part of the Wendel Clark trade has been one of the game’s most consistent forces up the middle. While it’s true his only 100-point season came way back in 1992-93 with Quebec, Sundin’s always been a complete player who played both ends of the rink and could be relied on for 30+ goals and over 70 points while posting a respectable plus/minus on a defenseless Original Six team north of the border.

His size (6-5, 231) makes him a royal pain to play against as he combines strength with finesse. The super skating is still there as is the touch. Sundin also is superb in the faceoff circle placing 13th at 55.2 percent. It’s worth noting that Ranger pivots Chris Drury (54.9 pct, 18th) and Scott Gomez (52.5 pct, 30th) also fared well.

However, if the Blueshirts were able to add Sundin at a discount with money deferred in some sort of package with Jaromir Jagr to form a lethal top line, once again Drury would be centering the third line or even moved to the wing due to Brandon Dubinsky’s development. On paper, this might seem like a good problem to have. However, many Ranger fans remember what happened when they became so overloaded at center a few ugly years back with Eric Lindros, Bobby Holik, Mark Messier and even Petr Nevded destroying Jamie Lundmark’s career.

Sometimes, having too many bullets in one hole can be a detriment because there won’t be enough ice-time for everyone to be happy and serve in defined roles.

From the looks of it, it sounds like Sundin wants Broadway more than the other way around. With Glen Sather needing to decide whether Jagr’s returning and if Sean Avery, Martin Straka, Brendan Shanahan and Michal Rozsival remain in their plans, it’s awfully hard to get a read on where exactly the future 600-goal Hall of Famer fits.

The Rangers need to focus on upgrading the blueline with a top defender who can log significant minutes while shutting down the opposition and find a capable skating D who can run the power play. Brooks Orpik would address the lack of physicality but his asking price might be too steep. Factor in that the Pen has been injury prone and handing out a long-term contract to a player who plays that rugged style might not be such a great investment.

As for the PP solution, Brian Campbell has been mentioned a ton. While the ex-Sabre who likely won’t return to San Jose after being rented has the skating and offensive game to upgrade a man-advantage, he’s not the best player in his end and will command a ton of cash. Someone will overpay. Is he worth it? After watching how weak he performed for the Sharks, I say no.

I’d much rather go after Mark Streit from Montreal, who did a stellar job getting his point shot through on the No.1 ranked PP in the league while also doubling up front. The versatile 30 year-old from Switzerland who totaled 62 points (13-49-62) had more than half via the power play (7 PPG, 27 PPA) and would be a cheaper alternative.

Another player who wouldn’t be a bad idea is Kristian Huselius. The 29 year-old left wing is a solid skater who can score and setup teammates. The former Panther evolved into one of Calgary’s top forwards the past two seasons totaling 59 goals and 84 helpers for 143 points along with a plus-31 rating. If there was a hindrance, it was that he didn’t find the back of the net during the Flames’ last two first round ousters finishing with just six assists in defeats to Detroit and San Jose. He’ll likely be on the market next week when the free agent frenzy begins.

Huselius is a complementary forward who can play on a first or second line. If say Straka or Avery (perhaps both) aren’t back, he wouldn’t be a bad idea. It really all depends on what direction Sather decides to go.

Leafs Buy Out Tucker: Also in the news yesterday was the Leafs making it official buying out Darcy Tucker paving the way for the gritty wing to become a UFA. Clearly, the 33 year-old’s career is on the downside after an injury plagued 2007-08 in which his production suffered tallying 34 points (18-16-34) in 74 games. The prior season, he missed 18 more games and produced nine more points including 24 goals.

Tucker isn’t the same player but it’s not had to see Slats deciding on the veteran as a replacement for Avery, who looks to have priced himself out of New York. Why wouldn’t it shock me if they traded places?

Melrose Place Now In St. Pete: And finally, it became official yesterday as Barry Melrose Place is no longer Bristol but rather St. Petersburgh. The ex-King coach who was a solid NHL analyst on ESPN for more than a decade will return to coaching 12 years later as he tries to turnaround the Lightning. Best of luck Barry. You’ll need plenty!