Since everyone seems to be awarding the Rangers the winner of the Mats Sundin sweepstakes, I figured I would put the cart in front of the horse and try to figure out which jersey number the Swede will wear.
As near as I can tell, his number on Toronto, Quebec, Djurgårdens and the Swedish national team was always number 13 - his birthday (February 13th, 1971). Well, sorry "Sudden," we already have a 13 on the roster. Of course, Nik Zherdev is younger and seems respectful so he should willingly give the elder statesman the digit. Or, he could buy the number with some of the $74 million in career earnings that he has collected. But what if Z did the unthinkable and not give it to him? What number would Mats take? How about No. 4, since 1+3=4 (yay math!) ... Twenty-eight Rangers pulled on that sweater but not a single forward since 1948 (Rene Trudell) and we need Sundin to score.
Sundin won an Olympic gold in '06 but six is Wade Redden's and no one wants anything that that guy has right about now.
The former Toronto captain has been an All Star nine times but that number will be going to the rafters this season thanks to another icon, Adam Graves.
Well, some players go for the reverse of the number they wanted, so Sundin could take 31. There are 11 Rangers in team history who wore it but just one was a skater, Rob Zamuner; the rest were goaltenders. Zamuner played just nine games in 1991-92 before going on to a mediocre career in Tampa and we just can't have mediocrity from Mats.
Since he wore 13 because of his birthday, what about keeping with that theme and taking 71? Only Brian Fahey has worn that number on a Blueshirt and with Tom Renney's undying loyalty to his current defenders, it isn't likely that Fahey will get to wear it again. I don't think so, the NHL markets 71 with Gina Malkin and we don't want to relate to one of the diving Penguins in any way. What about 89, in honour of the year Quebec drafted him? Nah, too Mogilny.
He came over from Sweden in '90 but that would put him right next to fellow countryman Markus Naslund (91) and we can't have that. Sundin has to have more left in the tank than what Naslund has shown. Otherwise there wouldn't be such a huge bidding war for his services.
Well, I guess it has to be his #13 and that would make him the seventh Ranger to pull on that particular jersey. I looked at the other guys once before but here they are again:
Jack Stoddard, who was the NHL's tallest player for two seasons in the '50s at 6'3, was the first. American Bob Brooke came next and he was a big part of the 1985-86 Blueshirts that went deep into the playoffs. Good soldier Sergei Nemchinov went even further - to the Stanley Cup before being callously discarded and ending up with the other, lesser metropolitan area teams. After Sarge left, Sundin's teammate in Quebec Valeri Kamensky came in for two disappointing seasons at the turn of the century. He also played in a 'Legends' game before the Victoria Cup against Metallurg in Switzerland and proved that he is still a cherry-picker after all these years. When he wasn't re-signed, minor league goon Richard Scott picked up the unlucky number for 10 games over two seasons. And, of course, you all know Big Z and what he has and hasn't done while wearing 13 this season.
But think of all he could do once Sundin is by his side? Where his current center (Mexican't Scott Gomez) works the perimeter, the big Swede is willing to pay the price and be an actual hockey player, challenging defenses by using his size to get space in the good scoring zones - a la Jagr. He can also score off of the rush, fire one helluva slapshot and hit people. Sundin was also a captain for most of his career and maybe he will help bring accountability back to the locker room and force the defensemen to actually play some defense.
One could only pray ...
Picking Sundin's Sweater Number: A Symbolic Journey
When a legendary athlete joins a new team, the selection of their jersey number is often an intriguing and symbolic process. In the case of Mats Sundin, a Swedish ice hockey icon who made a historic move to the Vancouver Canucks in 2009, the choice of his sweater number became a matter of significance and fan speculation. This article delves into the story behind selecting Mats Sundin's jersey number and the profound impact it had on the player, the team, and the fans.
I. The Legacy of Mats Sundin
Mats Sundin, born on February 13, 1971, in Bromma, Sweden, is widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players in Swedish history and one of the NHL's most respected figures. Over his illustrious career, Sundin established himself as a dominant force on the ice, with a combination of skill, leadership, and sportsmanship that endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
II. The Toronto Maple Leafs Era
Sundin spent the majority of his NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he became the franchise's all-time leading scorer and captain. Wearing the number 13 jersey for the Maple Leafs, Sundin's impact on the team and the city of Toronto was immeasurable. He was not only a prolific scorer but also a beloved leader who embodied the spirit of the team.
III. The Decision to Join the Vancouver Canucks
In the summer of 2009, Mats Sundin faced a career-defining decision. After becoming an unrestricted free agent, he had the opportunity to join several NHL teams. Ultimately, Sundin chose to sign with the Vancouver Canucks, marking a significant departure from his long tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
IV. The Jersey Number Dilemma
One of the key questions that arose after Sundin's signing with the Canucks was which jersey number he would wear. The number 13, which he had worn throughout his career in Toronto, was retired by the Canucks in honor of Pavel Bure. Sundin now faced the challenge of selecting a new number that would not only represent his identity on the ice but also pay homage to his past.
V. The Tribute to Naslund and No. 19
In a heartfelt gesture, Mats Sundin decided to wear the number 19 jersey for the Vancouver Canucks, a number associated with another Canucks legend, Markus Naslund. By choosing number 19, Sundin was not only showing respect for Naslund but also acknowledging the significance of this iconic number in Vancouver hockey history.
VI. The Impact on Fans and Teammates
Sundin's decision to wear number 19 was met with appreciation and admiration from fans, teammates, and the hockey community. It signified his willingness to embrace a new chapter in his career while also recognizing the importance of team history and tradition.
VII. The Legacy of No. 19
During his brief stint with the Canucks, Sundin continued to be a force on the ice, contributing both as a scorer and a leader. While his time in Vancouver was relatively short, the legacy of number 19 lived on. It became a symbol of Mats Sundin's dedication to his craft, his respect for the game, and his ability to seamlessly integrate into a new team and city.
VIII. Conclusion
The story of Mats Sundin's jersey number selection is a poignant reminder of the profound significance that symbols and traditions hold in the world of sports. Sundin's decision to don the number 19 jersey for the Vancouver Canucks not only paid tribute to a fellow hockey great but also solidified his place in the hearts of fans in Vancouver and beyond. It showcased the power of sports to bring people together and the role that symbolism plays in connecting athletes, teams, and their supporters.
In the end, Mats Sundin's choice of jersey number was not just about what he wore on the ice; it was about the values and principles he embodied as a player and as a person. It was a testament to his humility, respect, and love for the game of hockey, making it a chapter in his storied career that will forever be remembered with fondness and admiration.
