Mats Sundin will earn around $5 million for a little more than half a season's work. (Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

A day after signing with the Vancouver Canucks, Mats Sundin is facing a big challenge — he hasn't played an NHL game since April.

"I know it's not a perfect situation as a player," Sundin said during a conference call on Friday. "The players are in mid-season form and it's going to be challenging. The next few weeks I am going to push myself to make sure I'm in the best shape I can be in."

The star, who spent 13 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, has accepted the Canucks' offer of $10-million US for one year, which means he will earn around $5 million for the rest of the season.

"I am happy there was no player movement because [of me] joining the team. I hope I can come in and be part of what the Vancouver Canucks have been doing so far this year."

Sundin, who was the Leafs' captain for 10 years, said he decided to return to the NHL just two weeks ago.

"If I didn't play this year it would have been really hard for me to compete anymore at the highest level of hockey," he said. "I think that made me decide I wanted to give it another chance to play in the NHL."

The New York Rangers were interested in Sundin but couldn't make room for him under the $56.7-million salary cap.

Sundin, who is in Sweden, is expected to arrive in Vancouver on Dec. 27 but might not suit up for a game until early January.

Canucks GM Mike Gillis said the Vancouver players are excited about the addition of a big centre who is strong at both ends of the ice. He said Sundin would make a big impact.

Sundin, 37, has notched 30 or more goals five times in the last six years. In 17 seasons with the Quebec Nordiques and the Leafs, he notched 555 goals and 766 assists.

Sundin has been named to nine all-star teams. He's the Leafs' all-time leading scorer with 987 points (420 goals, 567 assists).

"To pick a team that is going to win the Stanley Cup is impossible," Sundin said when questioned about the team's prospects on Friday. "The league is too competitive. I do know Vancouver has a good enough team to compete for the Stanley Cup. I'm thrilled to be part of that team."