The Leafs... Part 1

The Toronto Maple Leafs (and everything that goes with being a Leafs fan), will be a continual source of 'material' for me. And right now I have to say that I am flipped out over Mats Sundin's negotiating rights having been sold/loaned/transferred to the hated Habs.

(the Sundin hyperlink leads to his Leaf page. I wonder how long the link will work)

Any Leaf fan will tell you that the Habs are the one team you absolutely cannot play for after being 'honoured' by Leafdom. Doing so would instantly ban you to the pits of hell with no chance of parole.

We have a history of both honouring and dishonouring those who have worn the 'C'. Dave Keon (above right - CP file photo), Sittler, Clark, Gilmour. All have been welcomed upon their return (particularly Keon, at last years 40th anniversary 'celebration' of the *cough* last Leafs team to win a cup).

sigh

But this...

Sundin to Les Habs? Returning to the ACC wearing les bleu, blanc et rouge? Sorry, this I have a serious problem with. Having been to his home I can say that yes, he is a 'nice man'. Many say this about the man. We are accepting (albeit not quietly) about his spending summers back home instead of staying with 'us' (perhaps at one of the Muskoka Five's cottages - snicker), providing Leaf Nation with a year round fix of Leaf hysteria.

And questions about his 'passion' for the game (more importantly I guess, to the Team) continue to dog Sundin even as his career as a Leaf has come to an end. And come to an end it has, for there is no scenario that I can see that involves Sundin ever again putting on a Leaf jersey.

I can also see Leafdom getting all worked up in a froth over Sundin's return as a Hab. The hanger will be rocking for weeks over the mere possibility of 'giving it' to Mats should he deign to grace us with his presence. Yes the venom will be out in full bore and all of it (whether warranted or not) will be directed at our formerly beloved Captain. Salming can go to the Wings, and Sittler to the Flyers, but playing for the Habs is simply unforgiveable in the eyes of Leafs fans.

And yet again, another controversial end to a Leaf career.