Mats Sundin really has no choice but to waive his no-trade clause. If he doesn’t, he is announcing that the fire that drives 99% of NHL players doesn’t burn inside his belly at the same temperature. In the hearts of true hockey players, nothing trumps the passion to win the Stanley Cup. I believe Mats has this passion.

So 2 questions: Where will Mats Sundin end up and how much love does he have for the Maple Leaf crest he wears on his chest? The answers are actually tied to one another.

If Mats truly loves the Leafs, he will end up wherever Cliff Fletcher can cut the best deal. In other words Sundin won’t limit the number of teams he will agree to wave his no-trade clause for. I know popular thinking is that he will limit the possible destinations to cup contenders, but realistically, they are the only teams that will be in the market for the ultimate rent-a-player anyway. The only issue with the term “cup contender” is whose scouting report are we using, and the only one that really counts is Sundin’s.

So far, the only public utterance from Mats on the subject of being traded is that he doesn’t want to be. You know what I would like to hear? I would like to hear Mats say he will do whatever is necessary to help the Leafs’ franchise – even if it means being traded. This would be the ultimate proclamation of sacrifice and would match up with who Mats really is – a dedicated, driven, classy professional. He doesn’t need to proclaim his loyalty to Toronto or the Leafs. There is no way his present voice could inflate the adulation he deservingly receives already and his performances for the past 13 seasons seem to speak directly to his love for his current existence.

If Mats truly loves the Leafs, wouldn’t it make sense to spend three and a half months (maximum) of his life away from Toronto for a chance to win the Cup for the first time and return to an improved Leafs team in the summer? Cliff is a shrewd shopper and whatever Mats’ value is on the open market, you can bet it will be maximized.

Should the Leafs be loyal to Mats? Absolutely, and they have made him a multi-millionaire. Should Mats be loyal to the Leafs? Absolutely, and he has given the franchise the best years of his career? Now it’s time to do what’s best for both.

Where will Mats Sundin end up? Anaheim.

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