Mats Sundin Signs With Vancouver Canucks

Earlier this week, word surfaced that Mats Sundin would be making his decision as to where to play the remainder of this season (and perhaps beyond) on Thursday -- which would be today. For much of the day, it didn't look like that was going to happen. But, hark, it has! And the winner of the great Sundin derby is none other than the Vancouver Canucks.

General manager Mike Gillis on the signing, courtesy of the Canucks website:

"We are very excited to have Mats join the Vancouver Canucks," said Mike Gillis, Vancouver Canucks General Manager. "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."

Terms of the deal have not yet been released, but the numbers thrown around in the days, weeks and months leading up to this were in the ballpark of two years, $20 million.

He's 37 years old, and led the Maple Leafs in scoring a season ago with 78 points (32 goals, 46 assists). He's scored 555 goals in his 17-year career, and joins a Vancouver team that is currently tied for the top spot in the Northwest Division with an 18-11-3 mark.

The Rangers were the other team in the running for Sundin's services, but would have had to clear significant cap space to sign the 37-year old center.