Mats Sundin signs with Vancouver

After thirteen seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, free agent center Mats Sundin will soon head west just over 2,500 miles and join his new team—the Vancouver Canucks. 

Sundin has yet to play this season as he’s weighed a variety of options, including retirement.  After narrowing the candidates down to two teams, he passed up the New York Rangers’ offer to join the Canucks.  He’s expected to join the team just after Christmas, and could make his debut on 12/28 as the Canucks host the Ottawa Senators at GM Place. 

Reports indicate that Sundin will make $5,000,000 for the remainder of this season--$4,000,000 of which will be in the form of a “signing bonus”.  Sundin’s agent J.P Berry conveyed his client’s pleasure with his new team:

"He's real happy to have made a decision. He's excited with the opportunity that the Canucks will offer him."

Sundin himself issued the following statement:

"I am truly excited to be joining the Canucks. 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."

Likewise, the Canucks are pleased to add Sundin’s veteran leadership to their locker room.  Team GM Mike Gillis issued the following statement:

"We are very excited to have Mats join the Vancouver Canucks. 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."

Sundin tallied 32 goals and 46 assists for the Maple Leafs last season.  He’s scored 70+ points in every season of his career except for the lockout shortened 1994-95 season, when he produced 47 points in 47 games.