Toronto Maple Leafs play-by-play announcer Joe Bowen recently offered heartfelt praise for former captain Mats Sundin. He called the Leafs’ all-time points leader a quiet leader who set a high standard on the ice.
Bowen highlighted Sundin’s professionalism and impact on his team during his 13 seasons with the franchise. The former Leafs captain was beloved by the fan base for his ability to come up big in crucial moments.
During an appearance on The Game Plan, Bowen revealed that Sundin wasn’t brash or outspoken like some other NHL players. He noted that while Sundin was an elite player, it was his character off the ice that set him apart.
“[Sundin was a] quiet leader. Did his talking on the ice more so than anywhere else,” Bowen said. “Mats was just a wonderful individual. A very strong, strong player obviously. And the Pat Quinn teams were led by him both on and off the ice.”
Joe Bowen Recalls Maple Leafs Acquiring Mats Sundin
Mats Sundin‘s arrival was a massive story, especially in Toronto, as it came after a blockbuster trade with the Quebec Nordiques. The multi-player trade saw Sundin move to Toronto, while captain Wendel Clark went the other way to Quebec.
Full Maple Leafs-Nordiques trade:
Toronto received:
- Mats Sundin
- Garth Butcher
- Todd Wariner
- 1994 1st round pick (10th overall)
Quebec received:
- Wendel Clark
- Sylvain Lefebvre
- Landon Wilson
- 1994 1st round pick (22nd overall)
Speaking with The Game Plan, Joe Bowen recalled the trade as a bold move by then-general manager Cliff Fletcher. He revealed that Fletcher was well aware of the backlash he would face by dealing Clark, despite Sundin coming to Toronto.
“On that draft day when [Fletcher] actually told Bill Watters, his assistant GM, ‘You go and make the announcement because there might be somebody ready to shoot you.’ And that was sending the hero of the franchise, Wendel Clark, to Quebec,” Bowen said. “Sometimes trades like that are very, very difficult to make, but certainly in retrospect could not argue with Cliff about what that meant to the franchise going forward.”
Clark eventually returned to the Leafs in a trade with the New York Islanders, and once more in 1999-00 before retiring.
Sundin Congratulates Bowen on Special Tribute Night
Sundin was among the many Leafs greats to congratulate Bowen during the team’s special Holy Mackinaw Night. The night was a celebration of Bowen’s career, as he retires at the end of the season after 44-years as the team’s voice.
Before the Leafs’ game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Bowen and his family were on the ice for the pre-game ceremony. It culminated with an emotional video tribute for the longtime Leafs announcer, which began with a message from Sundin.
“Joe, thanks for a fantastic career. All the years I spent with you, travelling on the road, and how you covered the game, bringing the game to couches and TVs, and radios around Canada for the Toronto Maple Leafs fans. Fantastic,” Sundin said in Bowen’s tribute video. “Congratulations on a great career. Holy Mackinaw!”
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