Sundin waits for club to get its act together

Mats Sundin and Cliff Fletcher had a "good meeting" Thursday, but the real question regarding Sundin's return to the Leafs could centre on what transpires with the club's executive search the next few weeks.

It was a good meeting," Sundin's agent, J.P. Barry, said yesterday.

"Cliff wanted to check in on Mats and his timetable for making a decision on whether he will play next year and, if so, whether he will negotiate with Toronto prior to July 1. Mats hasn't made any decisions yet about playing next year and will inform Cliff as soon as he decides what he wants to do."

The two sides have not set up another meeting, but it's believed that could happen prior to the NHL draft in Ottawa June 20-21.

While Fletcher and the Leafs are not revealing any details about their meeting with Sundin or their coaching and executive search, sources say Fletcher laid out what the club expects its coaching and executive portfolios to look like.

Sundin, an unrestricted free agent July 1, is believed to be returning to Sweden to review his options. And he likely will be waiting to see if any of the Leafs' plans come to fruition.

The veteran can't be blamed for wanting clarification on the club's murky management situation.

Talk around the Maple Leafs is mounting with regards to Fletcher hiring a new coach, a development which would signal him as the team's general manager through next season.
Fletcher currently is on a 19-month contract, seven months as the GM with the final year as a consultant. The Leafs dismissed coach Paul Maurice on May 7.

The Leafs have attempted to build a super-management team over the past two weeks, but the candidates interviewed have been for support roles to the new GM.

At least one of those candidates, Doug Armstrong, opted for a more attractive post with St. Louis, while former Vancouver GM Dave Nonis's decision has yet to be made public.