02.25.2008 8:02 am

Sundin stays, Toronto’s rebuilding stalls

Mats Sundin is staying put. The venerable Maple Leafs star doesn’t want to leave Toronto, even for a few months as a rental player.

So the teams eager to upgrade their rosters – Detroit, San Jose, Montreal, Calgary – will have one less high-end player to fight over as the trade deadline nears.

For the moment, the focus shifts to unrestricted free agent Peter Forsberg. Will he play this year? A decision is expected later today.

If he elects NOT to play, that decision will further intensify the bidding on available players.

Sundin’s buddy Bryan McCabe might waive his no-trade rights, although the $18 million left on his contract will make him more difficult for the Maple Leafs to move.