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$\"Gravatar\"$ You bring up valid points but Sundin has been the consummate team player. He doesn't talk for the sake of talking and he always defers and pumps up his team when asked for comments.

I personally think that he might actually relish NOT being the captain but rather be allowed to play in \"RELATIVE\" obscurity (meaning without the added pressure of the \"C\"as we know there is no such thing as obscurity in a Habs uniform).

In any case they wont strip Koivu of the C, they sure as hell are NOT going to take it away from Kovy lest they want a repeat of two years ago and finally, forget about Higgins losing it as he represents the new generation. So my opinion is that he might end up relishing the role of informal team leader without the pressure of the formal title. I actually think he would have no problem deferring to the current leadership team because as a leader himself he knows the value of the existing chemistry. Finally, he may just want to have fun playing hockey again. If he plays well he will be adored!!!

Personally i think he can bring the experience and talent to a team that is looking to leaders for direction and learning. I don't think there could be a better situation. Who knows he might be able to lure some Swedes to Montreal too as a byproduct of him being here.

So all cards are on the table but i think everyone will grow with that kind of unselfish leadership on the team.

GO HABS GO!
Geoff F | 06.23.08 - 11:05 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Your glass if half full, for sure.

My fear is not that he would want to come and upset things in Montreal, but that he may, by virtue of having a lot of experience and being in the habit of acting as team leader for so long. While neither Koivu nor Kovalev (well maybe Kovalev), would speak out against it, they may end up resenting the loss of stature that will naturally occur – I can guarantee (Sundin is a big personality, no shrinking violet).

For formal purposes, no one will be stripped of letters if they remain on the team, but the letters only mean so much. After all, Komisarek is so much more a leader than Higgins and yet he has no A.

Alone, I don't think the leadership issue would be that bad, but taken in combination with the salary he'll bring and the linemates and minutes he'll require, something has to give.

If you don't think it's Koivu, then who would you suggest? I simply cannot see the Habs carrying so much salary in the form of 6 players.

On another note, how about Miroslav Satan? He shoots, never passes. he scores at a decent clip. With Tanguay, Koivu, Plekanec and even Kovalev mostly preferring the role of playmaker, we need to keep our eyes open for a possible sniper.
Topham | Homepage | 06.23.08 - 12:13 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ No doubt the salary is a concern but i'm sure Gainey has a plan for that. In any event it appears that gainey likes character players and i think they have a way of dealing with that sort of thing better than some of the more selfish players out there. You are definitely right about the potential problem with dealing with the bodies but if i think i know Gainey well enough he is always fair and i'm sure has a plan on how to deal with this.

I actually think the veterans might see this as a bit of a threat and light a fire underneath them like they did with the youngsters. I think it's a win win.

Time will tell, and yes my glass is half full.
Geoff F | 06.23.08 - 1:07 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I see your side too Geoff. I'd love Sundin on the team if we could guarntee smooth sailing with interpersoanl relations. I just have a bad feeling for some reason...
Topham | Homepage | 06.23.08 - 2:32 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I think that adding Sundin would definitely be a boon for the Habs, I do however highly doubt that Bob would pull the trigger if it meant losing a key figure like Koivu. If the rumors were true regarding the potential move at the trading deadline, it would seem that Higgins is the one on the block and as much as I love Higgins on our team, I would lose him in the interest of adding that big, talented center we've all been dreaming of. Third-line wingers with scoring potential are much easier to come by than guys like Sundin. Koivu is the lifeblood of our team and will happily retire a member of the Canadiens, Sundin or no.

The possibility of Miro Satan is an intriguing one. I've always liked the guy and he's always been a thorn in our side (not an Eric Cole-sized thorn, but a thorn nonetheless). If we could get his signature this summer, it would more than patch the hole left by Ryder's departure for greener pastures and the possibility of losing a Higgins-type due to financial or trade reasons.

I am also holding out hope that if all other options fail that we might be able to pillage Calgary some more and land Huselius or Langkow. Holik is also a player that's been on my radar for a while, one who would definitely anchor our third line.
tru7h | 06.24.08 - 1:08 pm | #

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