Rooting for Bob

It's at this time that I'd like to direct everyone's attention to a rather famous Bob in the world of Canadian sports. He's currently visiting Sweden on a meeting that is tremendously important to me and my fellow Canadiens fans.

I'm talking about Bob Gainey as he attempts to court Mats Sundin to sign a contract that would have put his name and number 13 on the back of the bleu, blanc et rouge. Of course, the ramifications of this would rock the entire hockey world. Here you would have the all-time Toronto Maple Leafs' leading score suiting up with their longest rivals (though I argue the true rivalry ended in the 70's when Montreal won multiple cups and the Leafs a big goose egg.) It would be the biggest defection in the history of the two teams, which is huge given how moments of Habs-Leafs history have been few and far between since 1967 (outside of Montreal sweeping them during one of their late 70's cup runs.)

The Habs celebrate their 100th anniversary next season and look like they want to make it special. I'm a big fan of their trade for Alex Tanguay and you've gotta think if they lose out on Mats that they'll be pushing for another free agent on Canada Day.

But as an optomistic fan who's poised to be on the winning side of a Sundin deal this is incredibly exciting. It's not often a team has an exclusive chance to court one of the 20 best players in the league, whether he's the captain of your chief "rival" or not. It's a situation that fits both the team and player well, and the instinct of almost any sportswriter you'll find says this is going to happen.

I couldn't be happier if it does.

- Chris

P.S. Listen tomorrow for your own opportunity to pull a Ray Emery and "Take The Money And Run" as we take more qualifyers for a chance to see the Steve Miller Band and Joe Cocker.