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Sundin signs with Canucks… Finally!

Posted on 18. Dec, 2008 by BCXS in BC, Canucks, Events, Misc, Vancouver

VANCOUVER (Reuters) – Former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin agreed a contract with the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday, ending months of speculation about his future.

As many as 10 teams made serious bids to sign Sundin but the big Swede decided on the Canucks, who at the end of last season attempted to lure the 37-year-old free agent center to the west coast with a two-year $20 million deal.

“I am truly excited to be joining the Canucks,” Sundin said in a statement on the Canucks’ website

(http://canucks.nhl.com). “Once I made the decision to return to play a few weeks ago, the Vancouver opportunity was simply the best overall fit.”

Sundin, who ranked 22nd all-time in career goals (555) at the end of last season, had kept teams dangling while deciding whether to retire or return for an 18th season.

Details of the deal were not immediately available but it is believed Sundin’s decision ultimately hinged on joining a team that would provide him with a chance of winning a first Stanley Cup.

The Canucks, tied with the Calgary Flames atop the Northwest division standings, were one of the most vigorous suitors in the belief Sundin could launch them on a serious Cup run.

FIRST PICK

Taken by the Quebec Nordiques with the first overall pick in the 1989 NHL draft, Sundin has been one of the NHL most dependable scorers, collecting 1,321 points in 1,305 games.

In 13 seasons in Toronto, Sundin rewrote the Maple Leafs’ record books by scoring 420 goals and a franchise high 987 points.

A bruising physical presence, the six-foot five-inch, 231-pound forward led Toronto in scoring last season with 32 goals and 78 points in 74 games.

Sundin’s glittering resume includes an Olympic gold medal from the 2006 Turin Winter Games and he helped Sweden to world championship crowns in 1991, 1992 and 1998.

That combination of leadership qualities and skills made the nine-times all-star one of the NHL’s prize free agents.

“We are very excited to have Mats join the Vancouver Canucks,” general manager Mike Gillis said.

“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.”

(Writing by Steve Keating in Detroit; Editing Ed Osmond)

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Tags: Canucks, Sundin