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The Philadelphia Flyers are high in the Mats Sundin sweepstakes, writes Mike Zeisberger in the Toronto Sun.

“We just want to throw our name in the hat, ” said Flyers’ GM Paul Holmgren. “We’re always looking to improve. We don’t even know yet if anything will come of it. We don’t know if he’s going to play. But if he wants to play, we have an interest.”

On Sunday, Sundin’s agent J.P. Barry denied a New York Post report that stated that the New York Rangers, along with the Flyers, are his client’s top two choices of teams for which to play this season.

Meanwhile sources close to Sundin reportedly indicate that the 37-year-old is leaning towards retirement.

Link: Toronto Sun

New York Post: Sundin interested in Rangers

A report written by Larry Brooks of the New York Post indicates that Mats Sundin is interested in playing for the New York Rangers. Sundin, an unrestricted free agent, remains undecided on his playing future as of the start of the third week of August.

The report suggests that the Leafs’ all-time leading scorer has no interest in returning to Toronto. The same article states that the Philadelphia Flyers are also in the running in the bid to land Sundin while the Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks appear to be out of the mix.

Sundin’s agent J.P. Barry has denied the report. “Everybody has been calling regularly trying to get an idea of when his timetable is. Mainly I have just told them we have talked about everything and right now it’s just for him to decide,” Barry explained to TSN on Sunday.

This summer Sundin has been offered both a one-year deal at $7 million from the Maple Leafs and a two-year deal at $20 million from the Canucks.

Links: New York Post article, August 17 | TSN.ca

Sundin delays decision again

Sportsnet caught up to Mats on a golf course in Sweden.

“I haven’t decided yet. I think sometime in August I hope to come to a conclusion on what I’m going to do … if I’m going to play or not this year. I never had a deadline. I know there was talk about the first of August, but …. I said sometime in August hopefully I’ll be able to make a decision. I won’t make that until I really feel comfortable with making a good decision. ”

“I haven’t even worried about any teams. I’m just trying to bring my mind to a point where I can make a good decision whether or not I’m going to play hockey right now. That’s my first decision and we’ll go from there after that.”

Sportsnet: Sundin Delays Decision Again

Mats Sundin Canucks story speculation

Maybe it has some legs, but I can’t see it. Likely it’s more a case that I don’t want to believe the latest dirt.

But the story out of Sweden Sunday is that Mats Sundin has agreed to a deal with the Vancouver Canucks.

Back in Canada, TSN is reporting that the story is false, and they have quotes from Sundin’s Swedish rep Claes Elefalk as saying as much.

Whatever the case, Vancouver still is in the hunt for Sundin. We know that much. Throw enough buckets of cash at a guy and how can that not be the case.

But in the end, don’t be surprised at a Sundin return to Toronto.

He’s always loved Toronto, has wore his heart on his sleeve for the Blue and White, and there’s nothing telling us that it won’t change.

Sure, he’s taken the summer to make up his mind. Good for him.

If I were his age, and contemplating when to decide to hang up the skates, I’d take my time too. How many athletes have hastily retired only to un-retire a few months later – see Brett Favre in Green Bay for the latest example.

When Mats finally does decide – and it’ll be before training camp, not part way through the season like Scott Niedermayer – it won’t shock anyone if it’s to Toronto.

Money aside, Toronto has just as much to offer as Vancouver ever will.

Leafs Fletcher isn’t quite finished with his roster

Cliff is still looking for a fourth line enforcer type who can contribute a little scoring. If Mats Sundin doesn’t return, Cliff will be looking for some forwards to help the team in scoring.

Toronto Sun: Fletcher seeks toughness, scoring

Leafs signings, front office additions, and more

In the news today, the media look at how the holes at centre are being filled – with or without Mats Sundin returning, as well as update us on the Leafs coaching (assistants Rob Zettler and Tim Hunter) for next year, along with the likely addition of Joe Nieuwendyk for the front office.

Finally, there’s an article out of Montreal on the Canadiens continued attempts to woo Mats Sundin. They seem to be honouring Sundin’s request for some time and space to decide on his future, but are clear that they want to remain front-runners for his services.

Check out today’s Leafs Media Links:

Toronto Sun: Leafs Centre on Needs
Toronto Star: Leafs get help at centre in deal with Canadiens
Globe and Mail: Leafs land Grabovski during busy day
Montreal Gazette: Habs wait for Sundin’s phone call