A Swedish newspaper nearly started an international incident on Sunday as they reported that Mats Sundin has agreed to play for the Vancouver Canucks, a claim that Sundin's Swedish representative denies.
Sundin's Swedish based representative Claes Elefalk claims the story in the Daily News is completely false, claiming that reporter Dusan Umicevic contacted him seeking a quote. Despite Elefalk telling the reporter that his information was incorrect, Umicevic published the story anyway.
While the Canucks remain one of the team's that Sundin is considering, he has yet to make a decision as to whether or not he will play next season.
Earlier this week, Canucks general manager Mike Gillis discussed the Sundin situation on a Vancouver radio station, stating he was encouraged to continue an on-going dialoge with Sundin and that he is still confident that Sundin would accept the Canucks' two-year, $20 million contract.
Sundin's agent J.P. Barry confirmed the Canucks' interest, however he stated that his client would take his time in making a decision, which would likely occur sometime in late July or early August.
"The Vancouver offer and the time that Mike (Gillis) has spent with Mats is important," Barry told TSN. "But ultimately Mats has to decide to play and that is the first step here."
After being drafted first overall by the Quebec Nordiques in 1989, Sundin was dealt to Toronto in a blockbuster deal by then-Leafs general manager Cliff Fletcher. The Maple Leafs traded Wendel Clark, Sylvain Lefebvre, Landon Wilson and first round pick to the Quebec Nordiques for Sundin, Garth Butcher, Todd Warriner and a first round pick.
The nine-time All-Star is the leading scorer in Maple Leafs franchise history. Over his 13 seasons in blue and white, Sundin scored 420 goals and 987 points and spent 10 years as team captain.
Sundin had another stellar season for the Maple Leafs, recording a team-best 32 goals and 78 points this past season. Sundin, a two-time second-team NHL All-Star, won a gold medal with Team Sweden at the Torino Olympics in 2006.
In 83 playoff games, Sundin has scored 35 goals and 74 points, with all but four of those points coming in a Leafs uniform.
