"I have carefully considered the team's request that I waive my no-trade clause. I have always believed I would finish my career as a Toronto Maple Leaf so the actual request was still a very difficult one for me to contemplate. I have spoken to and listened to my family and those closest to me about this issue. In the end, there is no right decision in a situation like this one.
"I cannot leave my teammates and join another NHL club at this time. I have never believed in the concept of a rental player. It is my belief that winning the Stanley Cup is the greatest thing you can achieve in hockey but for me, in order to appreciate it you have to have been part of the entire journey and that means October through June. I hope everyone will understand and respect my decision."
The Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators and Anaheim Ducks all showed an interest in Sundin.
To date, Sundin has registered 25 goals and 37 assists in 63 games this season.
The Leafs are now waiting on a response from defenseman Bryan McCabe, who is considering the possibility of waiving his no-movement clause.
Tomas Kaberle, Darcy Tucker and Pavel Kubina have also been asked to waive their no-trade clauses, but all three have decided that they will not.
