Sundin to debut for Canucks

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) -- Mats Sundin believes there's a "good chance" he'll debut for the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night in Edmonton.

The 37-year-old center is nine months removed from his last game in a 17-season NHL career. He signed as a free agent Dec. 18 and joined his new team in Vancouver on Dec. 30. Sundin didn't have his first full practice with the Canucks until Monday.

"If nothing changes until tomorrow morning I think it should be a good chance I'll play tomorrow," Sundin said after a second practice Tuesday. "If not, then obviously Friday" at home against St. Louis.

The long-time Toronto captain has been reunited in practice with Kyle Wellwood, a former linemate with the Maple Leafs, and young speedster Mason Raymond. He's also been working on the second power play unit.

"Of course, you're looking forward to get back playing the game," Sundin said. "But at the same time I want to make sure I'm ready physically so I can stay in the lineup and not come back too quick and get hurt."

The 6-foot-5 Swede has 555 goals and 766 assists in 1,305 career games.

"Tomorrow hopefully will be his first game of what we are all hoping is going to be a successful run here," coach Alain Vigneault said. "The only way to get him to the pace the NHL is at right now is to put him in and put him in gradually and let him work through the little inactivity."

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