Mats Sundin: Signed, Sealed, and Delivered

At last, the long tireless efforts of Canucks GM Mike Gillis have paid off in a big way. 

It was made official today that Mats Sundin has signed a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

After a six-month saga full of trials and tribulations Gillis finally got what he wanted Thursday, Mats Sundin.  He was rumoured to be off to the Rangers this weekend, but in the end the Canucks had the best offer and were the best fit for Sundin.

Gillis was understandably excited to have Sundin join the Canucks  He told TSN, "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 himself is looking forward to moving ahead and helping this team win.

"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."

There is no set date to when Sundin will suit up for the Canucks, but it is unlikely to be until at least the very end of December.  Sundin is likely to move up to the top line and be paired with old teamate Kyle Wellwood and Mason Raymond. But he could very well see action with the Sedins. Although Demitra has worked well with them, he has shown to be very versatile and may be moved around a little from time to time. 

Sundin  will no doubt see tons of power-play time as the Canucks will be banking on him to provide a much-needed boost to their struggling power play, which is currently ranked 15th in the NHL. 

While the Canucks have made a big splash with the Sundin signing don't be surprised to see Gillis make some more deals as the Canucks do still have cap space to potentially add another top-six forward.  After a season of doubters and expected disappointment things are suddenly looking up for this team.  You throw Luongo into the mix (should he get back to 100 percent), you all of a sudden have a pretty dangerous team.

Sundin leaves Toronto as the all-time leading point-getter, totalling 987 with the Leafs (420 of them goals).  In total he has 1,305 points in 17 NHL seasons.