More hockey talk

Mats Sundin won’t be making an on-ice NHL comeback.

But don’t rule out the 38-year-old former Toronto Maple Leafs captain landing a front-office role — somewhere in the NHL or possibly in his native Sweden.

While the indications are Sundin isn’t contemplating a whole lot hockey-wise after getting married to Josephine Johansson last summer and announcing his retirement before the start of the season, he’s not the type to sit still forever and will likely want to get back to work.

“He is taking his time (contemplating his future),” Sundin’s Sweden-based agent, Claes Elefalk, told Sun Media.

Sundin, a future Hall of Famer who had 564 goals and 1,349 points during an 18-year career with the Quebec Nordiques, Vancouver Canucks and Leafs, is well-respected for his knowledge of the game.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have put contract talks with Sergei Gonchar on hold with the sides at odds over the defenceman’s value. Gonchar, a looming unrestricted free agent, carries a $5-million cap hit this season, but could easily command $6 million on the open market. GM Ray Shero is in a tough spot: He faces cap issues over the next few seasons with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin accounting for an annual hit of $17.4 million — yet the Penguins struggled when Gonchar was hurt earlier this season … Senators C Mike Fisher has played himself into consideration for Team Canada, but there is a reason he won’t make it: Philadelphia Flyers C Mike Richards. “They’re basically the same player and they’re likely going to take a guy like Richards ahead of Fisher,” said a league executive.

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