Sundin To Canucks

Spurning his old team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, 37-year-old Mats Sundin ((pictured, thanks AFP)) has selected the Vancouver Canucks to be his bestest buddies for the remainder of the 2008-2009 season.

Sundin had his final two as the New York Rangers and the Canucks, but he wil now receive a pro-rated salary of US$10-million for the rest of the season at GM Place.

"I am truly excited to be joining the Canucks," said Sundin in a team statement. "Once I made the decision to return to play a few weeks ago, the Vancouver opportunity was simply the best overall fit. I want to thank Mike Gillis and the entire Canucks organization for their professionalism throughout this entire process."

"We are very excited to have Mats join the Vancouver Canucks," said general manager Mike Gillis. "Playing previously in two Canadian markets and consistently being among team and League leaders in scoring, Mats has proven that he can excel under pressure. He adds a wealth of experience, leadership and skill to the Canucks."

Montreal, Vancouver, Chicago, Ottawa, Philadelphia, the Rangers, and Toronto had all once courted Sundin after the Hab's window of exclusive negotiations ended in the summer. The Canucks, it is rumored, had a two-year, US$20-million offer that was never pulled off the table.

Sundin cannot join the Canucks until December 27th due to the Christmas roster freeze instituted by the National Hockey League.

Eric Duhatschek from the Globe and Mail checks in on the Sundin signing in black...