First… Bruce Garrioch.

There have been whispers that Sundin—who is fiercely loyal to the Leafs and hasn’t asked to be moved if the club doesn’t make the playoffs—has already been told by some members of Detroit’s Swedes if he’d like to come aboard they will talk GM Ken Holland into making the move.

Holland probably wouldn’t need much convincing.

Ok. Good for Garrioch for pointing out that Sundin hasn’t asked to be moved. Noble. Now let’s look at the rest. Whispers, eh? A sportswriters code for assumptions, his own. Sundin’s been “told by members of Detroit’s Swedes” that they’ll talk Holland into making the move.

It’s that simple, eh? I guess Lidstrom, Franzen and Homer will stroll into Kenny’s office, put the feet on the desk and start laying out the argument. Got it. I’m sure they have a deal in mind, players to move, salaries to consider. I’m positive they’ve given this significant thought. Why am I positive? Because Jim Matheson tells me so.

I say the Red Wings, who lead the league in Swedes (Nik Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg, Nik Kronwall) get him for, say, centre Jiri Hudler, defenceman Jakub Kindl (their first-round draft pick in 2005), and a second-rounder in 2008. The Leafs, if they’re smart, should hold out for centre Valtteri Filppula rather than Hudler, but Detroit loves the Finnish kid. The Wings won’t give up a first-round draft, though, because this is the deepest draft in 15 years, and no team is surrendering a first-rounder next June.

So, now, after I’ve turned the corner on the Hudler stance, Matheson says we’re going to deal him? Dammit. That will require a philosophical shift I may not be capable of. And Kindl. Yes. That’s right. Our best, most promising defenseman. Our second-ranked prospect behind Jimmy Howard, according to the only prospect source that matters: Red Wings Central. Hell that’s ok. Deal ‘em both. Deal ‘em Kenny. For a six-month rental sure to bolt back to TO after the playoffs.

Right? It’s crazy, isn’t it?

Not so fast. Despite the strong play of Cleary and the gradual improvement of Hudler, our secondary scoring is still stressing me out. Is it there? Yes. Sometimes. But going into the playoffs it has to be consistent. Because a consistent second line is the only way Uncle Mike can keep The Circus together in the postseason. Sundin would definitely provide a threat. 33 points already this season. He’s 36 but he’s not done.

Matheson says the Wings wouldn’t give up a first rounder for him. Because the draft is so deep. Oh. Ummm. Yeah they would. Ken Holland has no allegiance to first-round selections, especially when he hopes to be dealing at least a 27th overall.

We don’t talk trade rumours around here too much. A couple reasons. Dispelling or agreeing with them takes a level of research I typically try to avoid. Secondly, they’re usually pretty stupid.

But…this one? Interesting. A prospect, yes. Kindl? Hard to see him go, but maybe. And picks. Matheson’s right that the organ-I-zation is hooked on Filppula. I don’t see him moving, despite a disappointing season so far. Hudler? Man. I’ve been calling for his trade for two years. But I don’t think so. A prospect, a first and a second.

But…the cap? Yeah. The cap. 5.5 is what Sundin makes. Probably less in cap money depending on the date he’s dealt. The Wings have a little under 5 to work with, so that seems to line up too.

Who the hell knows. Trade talk is idiotic because there are never any sources, only “whispers.” There’s only one reliable source for trade discussions, and here’s what he says.
Spector

No doubt Sundin will attract considerable attention from around the NHL if he asks to be dealt, but he hasn’t done so and it’s premature to even begin speculating on the matter.

He’s right. Let’s just forget it. Never gonna happen. Please don’t comment on this post. I’m embarrassed.