Mats Sundin refusing a token Toronto role perfectly signals his demand for real power
Mats Sundin has been a name circling the rounds however that might just be more poking around the bear, and if he's coming in it sounds like he expects more.
When news broke that the Toronto Maple Leafs were interested in potentially bringing in Mats Sundin for some type of leadership role, it kicked off a frenzy that brought a lot of excitement for Leafs Nation.
Sundin would be certainly a face who could bring about a lot of changes and with him knowing how important it is for him to play for the crest on the jersey; he'd make the changes necessary to get them back on track.
Toronto and Sundin's talks are only 'exploratory' for now
Though it sounds like as much as the Maple Leafs would like to bring him aboard, they also might be a little hesitant. The talks with Sundin have been described as 'exploratory' and that there is more of just seeing where Sundin's head is at when it comes to a front office position:
I think it was more exploratory than anything, but when you think bigger picture and what a future hockey operations department could look like in Toronto, and you throw a beloved captain's name like Mats Sundin into that mix.
I mean, it adds a shot of positivity for the process, no doubt about that.
I mean, it adds a shot of positivity for the process, no doubt about that.
The info comes courtesy of Darren Dreger and while it's a blow to the hopes that Sundin would come in — it could lead to something more down the line.
Even if it's just a prospective look at Sundin's interest, that opens the door for others as well. Gary Roberts has reportedly been a name Toronto wants to bring in, and it could lead to other former Leafs like Doug Gilmour, Darcy Tucker, or Tie Domi coming in as advisors as well.
Sundin might not be interested in a small role when it comes to fixing the Maple Leafs
It feels like they are trying to run a bit of a nostalgia act when it comes to rebuilding the front office, but who better to bring you that glory than the last team who actually got to the Conference Finals?
But what if it's more than just exploratory on Toronto's side? Sundin is a guy who while polite, is also firm and a natural leader. He isn't going to want to be a follower and just go with what Keith Pelley wants. If Sundin is here, he wants to be the reason for the change.
If he feels like Toronto won't give him the freedom necessary to improve the team how he sees fit, then he may not want to do something just yet, and being an advisor is great — but how can you guarantee they will listen to anything he says?
This is a player who knows how important winning is to Toronto and was theist guy who helped get them the closest to the Stanley Cup than they had been since 1993.
If you're not going to truth he has the best interest for the team, then who can you trust? It's time to let Sundin bring some pride and hope back to a fanbase who desperately needs it.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Toronto targeting Gary Roberts completely guarantees a major culture shift
Toronto targeting Gary Roberts completely guarantees a major culture shift
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