Fletcher thinks Sundin will play another year

Mats Sundin scored 32 goals and 78 points in 74 games last season. He led the Toronto Maple Leafs in all offensive categories. And the 37-yearold was among the top-20 point producers in what was his 17th season in the league.

So why would the longtime Leafs captain, who becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, want to retire?

"He hasn't said so outright," Fletcher said of Sundin's plans for the future. "But my guess is he's going to come back and play another season, be it with the Leafs or another team, because he had a great year last year."

Therein lies the question: if Sundin returns, where will he play?

Toronto has the inside track on resigning Sundin. But the Leafs are not the only team that are interested in the skilled centre's services.

The Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings reportedly covet Sundin, who earned US$5.5-million last season. Teams other than the Leafs would have to wait until the free agency period begins on July 1 to begin negotiations.

Sundin, who is spending the summer in his native Sweden, met Fletcher in Toronto last week to discuss his playing options. Both sides expect an announcement on his future to be made in the next two weeks.

"It would be their preference to know prior to the [June 20 NHL Entry] Draft," said Sundin's agent, J. P. Barry. "The message from Cliff was the sooner the better."

Sundin, who was the recipient of the Mark Messier Leadership Award last week, told reporters in Pittsburgh that he still wanted to end his "career as a Toronto Maple Leaf."

But he also appears uneasy about the direction the franchise is going.

The Leafs, who are being managed on an interim basis by Fletcher, are still seeking a full-time president, general manager and head coach for the 2008-09 season. The team is currently in contract negotiations with former San Jose Sharks head coach Ron Wilson, but nothing has been finalized.

"Mats is going to decide in the next few weeks ?one, if he's going to play, and if he does want to play, where?" said Barry. "He'd like to know what the [Leafs'] plans are for next year."