The arrival of Mats Sundin in Vancouver can’t change the biggest problem - they’re still the Canucks.
Sundin playing 20 minutes a night (more or less) doesn’t erase their over-dependence on Roberto Luongo, the up and down play of the Sedins or the questions about their depth on defence.
They’re a much better team for sure, but if the playoffs started today, they’d be going up against the big, belligerent Anaheim Ducks with San Jose and/or Detroit still to claw past in the West. The best regular season goalies don’t always win the Cup.
Good on general manager Mike Gillis for putting his money where his mouth is after losing Markus Naslund, but all he’s done at present is replace one Swede who couldn’t put his team over the top for one who didn’t get his old team into the dance the past few years. The other Western contenders have until the trade deadline to make their own moves to counter the Sundin signing.
Final word on Sundin, thanks for the memories in Toronto, for putting up with much more than your detractors gave you credit for. But with all the foot dragging, making such a big deal about loyalty to the Leafs, the aversion to being a rental player and wanting to start and complete the year with one team, it all rings hollow now.

lance.hornby@sunmedia.ca