In professional sports there’s rarely any loyalty between players and/or the teams themselves which is why Mats Sundin is so refreshing. He’s stated right from the beginning that he wanted to retire wearing the Toronto Maple Leafs jersey and this season he’s definitely proving just that. With the local losers sitting in 28th place (out of 30), Mats refuses to wave his no trade clause for greener pastures elsewhere.

Sundin had been politely saying no – or variations thereof, minimally qualified – to trade overtures for weeks on end. Although the formal invitation to consider relocation was extended by interim general manager Cliff Fletcher only a few days ago, and Sundin’s input sought on preferred destinations, the answer that came back last night was as always stated.

Not going. Not waiving.
Source: The Star

Keep in mind that this is from a man who’s restructured his salary so the team can spend more on others, who’s paid (relatively) less than market value for his skills and someone who’s never had the luxury of playing others with similar skill levels. Mats Sundin has carried the Leafs for the last 14 years and now management is trying to push him out. It’s a shame but then again MSLE has never had any honour, for them it’s always about the money. The captain is going down with the ship and it’s a shame because he certainly deserved better.