Does Mats Sundin automatically make the Canucks a favourite to win the Western Conference championship? In a word, no!
Looks like all Mats Sundin wanted was a break.
That's because after months of speculation where he would play this season the big Swede went with the rich offer made to him last summer by the Vancouver Canucks. Although the Canucks won't say how much Sundin signed for, or for how long, it is known they offered him two years at $10 million a season last summer to join them as an unrestricted free agent.
The Canucks announced the signing of Sundin just after 6 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday.
"We are very excited to have Mats join the Vancouver Canucks," said Vancouver GM Mike Gillis, who told Hockeycentral@noon today he felt his team was very much in the thick of things earlier in the day. "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."
It had been reported the New York Rangers were Sundin's first choice, but the Rangers had just under $1 million of cap space available.
"I am truly excited to be joining the Canucks," Sundin said. "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 the entire process."
The big question now is, does acquiring Sundin automatically make the Canucks a favourite to win the Western Conference championship? In a word, no!
While there is no question he gives them a huge boost, assuming he plays at the level he did last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings are still the class of the West. The soon-to-be 38-year-old is a proven scorer who has averaged slightly more than a point per game during his 17-year NHL career, but he has not played in the playoffs since 2003-04, just before the lockout. Sundin has 74 points in 83 career playoff games.
The Sharks, thus far, have been the NHL's best team. That said, it is not unprecedented for San Jose to enjoy regular season success and then bomb out in the playoffs. Detroit, meanwhile, has been very good after winning the Stanley Cup last season. They are scoring like there's no tomorrow, but their defensive game has been awful. Still, you'd have to think coach Mike Babcock is allowing his team to coast a bit in the early going as long as the wins are there. Except the Wings to get significantly more stingy in the goals-against department in the second half.
The Canucks, as usual, are led by the Sedins who rank No. 1 and 2 in team scoring. Newcomers Pavel Demitra and Kyle Wellwood have also chipped in on offence, which is why they were brought to town.
Although Sundin has never been to the Stanley Cup final, his international experience will surely benefit the Canucks who have not been to the final since they lost in seven games to the New York Rangers in 1994.
Sundin is expected to join the Canucks Dec. 27 and the team hosts the Ottawa Senators on the 28th. He will play against his old team, the Maple Leafs, Feb. 21 in Toronto.
In joining Vancouver Sundin will skate with fellow Swedes Mattias Ohlund, Alexander Edler as well as the Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik. The Canucks are tied for the lead in the Northwest Division with the Calgary Flames despite the fact they have played a month without superstar goalie Roberto Luongo who is out with a groin injury.