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Tampa Bay Lightning in regular talks with free agent forward Mats Sundin

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
In print: Saturday, November 15, 2008

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ADVERTISEMENT [Associated Press (2006)] Mats Sundin, right, checking Tampa Bay’s Marty St. Louis, is a likely hall of famer with 1,321 points in 1,305 games. Loading Video...

It is still weeks before Mats Sundin will make a decision about where he wants to play. But the agent for the free agent center said the Lightning is one of about 10 teams "keeping fairly regular contact."

"Tampa has different people who have been talking to Mats on a regular basis," agent J.P. Barry said Friday.

"There is definitely sincere interest there."

It is believed Tampa Bay owner Oren Koules spoke to Sundin this week in California. The Lightning declined to comment.

Barry said that Sundin, 37, who had 32 goals last season for the Maple Leafs, will begin serious skating next week and could be ready to play by mid to late December. Barry said he has yet to get a "short list" of potential teams from his client but believes that could be worked out by the end of November.

It would not be simple for Tampa Bay to make such a move. The team has 14 forwards and expects to get back center Jeff Halpern (knee) by mid to late December. That means it would have to clear salary and roster space.

Sundin is expected to sign for about $7-million prorated to the remainder of the season. For example, if he signs Dec. 12, that's 60 days, one-third, into the season, so his salary would be for two-thirds of the 180-day season.

Sundin, good friends with Lightning wing Gary Roberts, also wants to play for a Stanley Cup contender. Where Tampa Bay is in terms of playoff contention as things progress likely will have a big impact on whether he comes here.

The native of Bromma, Sweden, a likely hall of famer, has 555 goals and 1,321 points in 1,305 games in 17 seasons, four with the old Nordiques and the rest with Toronto.

Other teams reportedly interested in Sundin include the Leafs, Canadiens, Canucks, Rangers, Flyers and Red Wings.