Sundin choosing Rangers or Canucks: sources

It seems the Mats Sundin sweepstakes is down to two teams — barring a change of heart, of course.

Two sources close to the Sundin situation confirmed Monday to CBCSports.ca that the former Toronto Maple Leafs captain has whittled the field of teams to two — the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks.

The Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens reportedly were the other suitors for Sundin, with the Philadelphia Flyers expressing serious interest of late.

A final decision is expected before the week is over.

Sundin, an unrestricted free agent, met on the weekend with Rangers general manager Glen Sather during a promotional stop in New York.

Either Sundin or his agent J.P. Barry have met several times with the Canucks, who offered him a two-year $20-million US contract. 

The Rangers have yet to make Sundin an offer, but there is speculation, though unconfirmed, that the Rangers and Canucks may discuss a trade if New York is Sundin's destination of choice.

Meaning, if Sundin decides he wants to play for the Rangers, they would need to move some players to clear the necessary salary cap space and Vancouver would be willing a trade partner.

Sundin, Toronto's all-time leader in goals and points, has not played since last season, when he led the Maple Leafs with 32 goals and 78 points in 74 games.

He became an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Sundin has played the last 13 of his 17 NHL seasons with the Maple Leafs, who acquired him from the Quebec Nordiques in a blockbuster trade on June 28, 1994.

He has posted 555 goals and 766 assists for 1,321 points in 1,305 NHL games since he was drafted first overall by Quebec in 1989.