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Around 10 teams have reportedly inquired about Mats Sundin's availablity.

TORONTO - There are a number of teams extremely interested in adding a player of Mats Sundin’s caliber.

The 37-year-old star is an unrestricted free agent and can sign with whichever clubs he so chooses.

Sundin took the offseason to reflect on his career and determine whether or not he wants to continue playing in the NHL. He racked up 32 goals and 78 points in 74 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season and is still very capable to playing on any team’s first line.

Drafted first overall by the Quebec Nordiques in 1989, Sundin has accumulated more than one-point per game over his career. In 1,305 regular-season games with the Nordiques and Leafs, Sundin has recorded 555 goals and 766 assists for 1,321 points.

Sundin spent most of the summer in his native Sweden pondering his future. He relaxed, when on his annual fishing trip and spent time with friends and family.

He kept his mouth shut and his cards close to his chest. When it started to seem as if he’d lean towards retirement, he traveled to Los Angeles and began a workout regimen last week.

Sundin now appears fully intent on returning to the NHL, and there are plenty of clubs knocking on his door.

The Vancouver Canucks offered Sundin a two-year, $20 million contract in July, a deal which remains on the table.

Canucks GM Mike Gillis met with Sundin last week in another attempt to lure him to Canada’s west coast.

Yesterday, Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke sat down with Sundin for roughly an hour, and there are other organizations waiting for their turn.

According to various reports, the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders and San Jose Sharks have also inquired about Sundin’s availability.

The majority of the teams interested in Sundin is up against the salary cap and would have to make a move to accommodate his salary.

There are conflicting reports suggesting Sundin could ask for as little as $2 million this season or as much as $7 million. Of course, Vancouver’s offer blows those deals away.

The Canucks have the necessary space to add Sundin without having to make another move, but teams like Chicago, Ottawa, Anaheim and the Rangers will be forced to shed some salary.

Sundin’s former team, the Leafs, are also in the mix.

Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher has said that he’d gladly welcome Sundin back if he’s interested in returning. The Leafs have a one-year, $7 million offer on the table, but they do not appear willing to include a no-trade or no-movement clause to their deal, which is something Sundin is looking for.

It’s unlikely that Sundin will return to the Leafs. In fact, a recent report in the Toronto Star suggested that Sundin is more interested in joining a contender that doesn’t visit the Leafs this season.

The Ducks already played Toronto and they’re located in close proximity to where he is currently training, and they’d love to have him. Burke tried to acquire Sundin at last year’s trade deadline, but came up empty.

If the Ducks sign Sundin, they would have to yet again move a player or two to get back under the $56.7 million salary cap. The team can either deal Todd Marchant or free-agent acquisition Brendan Morrison.

In Montreal, the Canadiens have minimal interest at this point. The Habs acquired Robert Lang from Chicago in September after they were told that Sundin was not in a position, at that point in time, to make a decision. Canadiens GM Bob Gainey moved on and the Habs now have three explosive lines and next to no room to add Sundin.

The Senators are extremely high on Sundin and would welcome him with open arms, although it’s uncertain if last year’s recipient of the Mark Messier Leader of the Year Award wants to play for his former team’s direct rival.

Senators GM Bryan Murray and owner Eugene Melnyk are expected to meet with Sundin in the near future to showcase their formal bid.

The Blackhawks are also very interested in Sundin, something GM Dale Tallon has already admitted, however they will need to get rid of Nikolai Khabibulin and his $6.75 million contract before they can consider adding a player like Sundin.

There are other teams out there that might consider jumping into the mix. The Buffalo Sabres are off to a great start and they have the cap space. Whether they want to make that commitment is a different story.

As he continues to work out and train, Sundin could make a decision by next week. Wherever he decides to play, he wants a shot at the Stanley Cup. His primary concern isn’t surrounded by dollar amounts. He’s made his money. He wants hockey’s ultimate prize.

It’s time to play.

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Matt Slocum / AP

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