Mats Sundin officially signs with the Vancouver Canucks!

[rammsteiner]

After six long months, the Mats Sundin saga is finally over as the unrestricted free agent has agreed to a contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

"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."

The signing ended months of rumours and speculation around the coveted centre, who was undecided on whether or not he would return to the National Hockey League for an 18th season.

"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."

The Montreal Canadiens were given exclusive rights to talk to Sundin this past summer in the week leading up to the free agent signing period. The club's negotiating window passed without an agreement and as many as six NHL teams lined up to acquire his services.

Among the teams interested over the last six months were the Canadiens, Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers.

The Canucks had the most lucrative offer for Sundin, with a two-year, $20 million contract that was never pulled off on the table.

Sundin, 37, finished with 32 goals and 46 assists for 78 points in 74 games last season with the Leafs, leading Toronto in scoring for the fourth straight year.

The franchise leader in goals and points, he has played 13 of his 17 NHL campaigns with the Maple Leafs, who acquired him from the Quebec Nordiques in 1994.

Sundin has 555 goals and 1,321 points in 1,305 career NHL games since he was drafted first overall by Quebec in 1989. He re-wrote Toronto's record book over his 13 seasons in blue and white, scoring 420 goals and a franchise-best 987 points.

In 83 playoff games, Sundin has scored 35 goals and 74 points, with all but four of those points coming in a Leafs uniform. The two-time second-team NHL All-Star also won a gold medal with Team Sweden at the Torino Olympics in 2006.

More to follow.

Sundin agrees to deal with Canucks

It's over! Finally! It's over!

[killerflwrs]

Canucks are looking good. I'm so glad the Rangers didn't get him.

[Sonny]

Only a one year deal which is good for us. If he stinks it up or retires next year we're not stuck with 10 mil against our cap.

The bad news is that I can actually see all the bandwagoners talking about the Stanley Cup!! LOL

[punkmother]

Originally Posted by Sonny

Only a one year deal which is good for us. If he stinks it up or retires next year we're not stuck with 10 mil against our cap.

The bad news is that I can actually see all the bandwagoners talking about the Stanley Cup!! LOL

i don't see them fairing well against san jose or detroit. however, the canucks certainly look like they may make a strong run if they can keep it together through march and april. that said, i still hate them.

off topic: just got a 360 w/ nhl 09 and boston and chicago are by far the funnest teams to play as.

[SkullShifter]

sweet, with two good lines and Luongo back they can do some damage in the new year.

[falconstalon]

this goes out to the Vancouver Canucks

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[Sonny]

Originally Posted by punkmother

i don't see them fairing well against san jose or detroit. however, the canucks certainly look like they may make a strong run if they can keep it together through march and april. that said, i still hate them.

off topic: just got a 360 w/ nhl 09 and boston and chicago are by far the funnest teams to play as.

Dude, I'm a realist. Stanley ain't coming to town. It's just funny seeing the bandwagoners buzz about the team being a real contender now. I can see maybe, just maybe making it through 2 rounds in the play offs, but in the end you have to go with the elite teams in the conference, those being San Jose and Detroit.

[MrBlueLightning]

Loungo is more than capable of stealing a series from the Sharks or Wings.

Sharks ALWAYS choke and Detroit's goaltending isn't the leagues strongest...

Not saying Vancouver will win the cup, but they certainly have a shot

[rammsteiner]

Yea I'm really not sure how people are saying this makes Vancouver Stanley Cup contenders.

It makes them a bit better and that's it.

[Kiyashin]

I am from Vancouver and this is exciting but most fans from this city are always decidedly patient and skeptical. But imagine a repeat of '94, Canucks, Rangers Stanley Cup Finals except with this signing thing and Naslund all rolled in.