Mats Sundin, Thanks for the Memories!
August 30th, 2008
Mats, as a big Leaf fan I have to thank you for all the years you've given the organization. We never got you that Stanley Cup, but we've been home to the accomplishments that you've made in your career—500 goals, climbing the Leafs' all-time points list, etc. You've done a lot in Toronto.
You have managed to do all these things with mediocre linemates. Playing on lines with Jonas Hoglund and Alexei Ponikarovsky, you have still managed to put up great numbers each season.
Nothing is mediocre about your numbers, or your ability to come back from injuries earlier than expected. You don't seem to slow down either when coming back from injuries. You always knew where the team stood and what you needed to do to help us out and win games.
There's been a lot of talk this summer about where you're going and if you're playing again at all (it's all you read these days).
The Leafs seem to have moved on from all of this. And although trading you at the deadline and getting good pieces back may have been better for the team, I think you have deserved the right to walk away from the team on your own terms.
You may not be a guaranteed Hall of Famer because you don't have cup rings and your numbers are lower than other potential Hall of Famers. Still, you will always be one of the best Leafs ever to wear the jersey for years to come.
If you do play again and decide to play elsewhere it will be tough to see you in another jersey. However, it is still easy for me and maybe other Leaf fans to thank you for all you have done in Toronto. Mats, thanks for the memories!
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