Sundin a Flyer? Don't bet the house just yet

By Sam Carchidi INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Posted: August 20, 2008

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren didn't sound like a man on the verge of signing free-agent center Mats Sundin yesterday.

Sundin, 37, an eight-time all-star, has drawn interest from several teams, including the Flyers.

Holmgren's interest seemed exploratory, and it remained a long shot that the Flyers, already about $1 million over the NHL's $56.7 million salary cap, would be able to afford Sundin.

"Personally, I'd like it to all go away," Holmgren said of the rumors that the Flyers were in the mix for Sundin. "What's the sense when we don't even know if he's going to play yet?"

Holmgren has had conversations with Sundin's agent, J.P. Barry, and the general manager said the agent still wasn't sure if Sundin would play again. Sundin will decide this month, Holmgren said.

"Everyone is kind of waiting," he added.

Sundin scored 32 goals for Toronto last season. He has scored 555 in his career.

"He's a good player, and it certainly doesn't hurt to look," Holmgren said.

Holmgren said emphatically that the Flyers would not deal any of their core players, such as Danny Briere or Jeff Carter, to free cap space to acquire Sundin.

The New York Rangers, who have only about $2 million in cap space, the Maple Leafs, and the Vancouver Canucks are also among the clubs showing interest in Sundin.

Sundin has reportedly been offered a two-year deal for a total of $20 million by Vancouver, but there is speculation he wants to play for a Stanley Cup contender.

Contact staff writer Sam Carchidi at 215-854-5181 or scarchidi@phillynews.com.

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