Maple Leafs legend Mats Sundin says he won’t be playing in the Alumni Showdown against the Detroit Red Wings on Dec. 31, part of the Winter Classic celebrations.

“I have had problems with my right knee for a while and I’m having surgery,” Sundin told the Star’s Rosie DiManno. “I have not been able to skate this last year and I can’t skate with my knee like this. I’m very disappointed, not been able to play in the great alumni outdoor game and represent the Maple Leafs again.

“I know it will be lots of fun for players in the alumni game, for all fans and players in the real game. I will enjoy the games and festivities on TV.”

Sundin is the team’s all-time leading point scorer with 987 regular-season points.

ROSTERS FOR THE ALUMNI SHOWDOWN

A special section on the Alumni Showdown, with complete rosters setting up the Dec. 31 game and a look back at some classic photos, will be published in the Saturday Star.

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