Sundin Saga Revisitied

If you recall, one my first posts on here was in regards to Mats Sundin and why the Rangers should stay away. My basic point was that, besides not having enough cap room, why bring in someone with an apparent lack of desire to play, especially if you're trying to change to your teams identity to a younger, speedier team?

After a quarter plus of the season gone, yes the Rangers are that identity but add another phrase to it; an abysmal offense. Try 28th in the league at a 2.42 GFA.

So while I agree that a Mats Sundin addition would definitely boost a sagging offense and an even worse PP, does that mean he's the missing piece to a Stanley Cup puzzle? My answer is still no. Despite being a physical presence as well as a leader, Sundin cannot fix the slow-footed, often out-of-position, finesse defense the Rangers have.

Also to consider, how can the Rangers afford him? They are right underneath the salary cap for the year. Numerous rumors suggest the Rangers are trying to move Michal Rosival, even Scott Gomezto clear space. While the Gomez rumors have some logic to it; The Rangers would be shedding a 7+ mm contract over the next 4 seasons and adding flexibility for UFA's down the road - I find it highly unlikey it will happen. A trade of Gomez would be percieved as a mistake by Rangers management, and, judging the situation, I think they would much rather admit Rosival's contract was more of a mistake than Gomez'

Until next time...

J.W.