Montreal Better Off Without Sundin

Canadiens supporters must be pretty happy to have dodged the Sundin bullet.
When it first became apparent that the Swedish star was on his way out of Toronto, Montreal was one of the cities rumoured to be in the hunt for his services. Sundin would seemingly have filled a need that still plagues the Canadiens: a big, playmaking centre to spark the powerplay.
Given the big Swede's dismal performance in Vancouver there is no doubt that Montreal is better off without him.
Vancouver has gone 1-5-2 with Sundin, and have lost their last eight straight home games. Rather than stepping up and taking a role of leadership in the dressing room, Sundin seems content just to be a supporting player.
That would be fine if he did not command a 10 million per year salary, for the remainder of this season and next.
Big things are expected for that price, and Sundin has failed to deliver. Perhaps being on more of a contending team like Montreal would inspire him to play better, but given his apathetic performance thus far that is not likely.
Sundin spent the All-Star break at a ski resort in northern British Columbia, where he did not skate for six days.
His NHL return seems to be more about cashing in than winning cups, and Montreal is better off without him.
NHL betting odds have the Canadiens as a virtual lock to make the post-season, even without a big centre like Sundin or Lecavalier, and the current Montreal roster should have what it takes to make another memorable run to the Stanley Cup.


The writer, Gavin Inkster, consults on NHL odds