Don't Look Back, Mats...

Mats Sundin has not signed with the Vancouver Canucks. At least not yet. But I get the feeling that he is closer and closer to finally making a decision on his future.

I'm scared, I admit it. I convinced myself that Sundin, having not jumped at any of the lucrative offers that came his way when free agency opened on July 1st, was going to return to Toronto and retire as a Toronto Maple Leaf, something he's always publicly stated he wants to do.

Now I'm not so sure anymore. I won't be surprised if Sundin does indeed agree to head out west to finish his illustrious career.

Even after yesterday's false report, Sundin's agent continues to spew the same crap he's been giving us for months now, that Mats doesn't even know if he's going to play at all next season. I think that's some bullshit.

The Star's Garth Woolsely is reporting that, "according to reports," Sundin is working out, so it does indeed look like he'll be suiting up next season. The million dollar question, or $10 million dollar question, remains where.

I'm a big fan of British Columbia. Vancouver's a great city, and one I can see myself living in one day. I don't know, something about the mountains. Oh, and I hear the dope is great.

On a serious note, I would completely understand if Sundin chooses that route. If it comes down to a choice between Toronto and Vancouver, the Canucks roster looks a whole lot more inviting. Sundin could join some pretty gifted offensive players in Daniel and Henrik Sedin, and Pavol Demitra, along with some solid young players like Taylor Pyatt, Ryan Kesler, Mason Raymond, and Alexander Burrows.

I know, both the Leafs and the Canucks missed the playoffs last year, but the Canucks got a weak season out of their former captain Markus Naslund, and saw Kevin Bieksa, Lukas Krajicek and Brendan Morrison miss a ton of time due to injuries.

Think about it: Sundin on a team with underachieving players and a ton of injuries. He would fit in perfectly in Vancouver.

Oh, and they have that Roberto Luongo guy in goal. He's good. Any team with Luongo in the pipes has a chance to win the Stanley Cup (uhm, except the Florida Panthers).

I've come to the point where I'm ready for the Sundin soap opera to end. Everyone who reads (I won't say it, Greener, and where the fuck are you man?) this weblog knows how I feel about Mats. I've always been in his corner and always will be in his corner. But it's time for him to make his decision. James Mirtle put it best: "It's been 114 days since (Sundin) stepped foot on an NHL ice surface, and we still don't have a clue what he'll do." That's a mighty long time to decide.

Before I forget, check out this piece - Mats Sundin vs. Brett Favre: One is worse - over at Down Goes Brown. Sean nails it, as usual.

If Sundin does become a Canuck, I wish him nothing but the best, and harbour no ill will. You all know this. You also know that I'll be the first one at the mall, cash in hand, ready to buy my new Mats Sundin Vancouver Canucks jersey (yes, that does feel disgusting even writing it).

But all I ask, Mats, is that you don't look back. Because, man, I don't think I can deal with that. I am emotionally taxed. If you're going to leave, just go already, Mats. Just go...