by Sports Xchange

--C Mats Sundin hasn't ruled out a return to the NHL, but the aging Swede made it clear Vancouver's status as the host city for the 2010 Olympics won't help the Canucks cause if he does, telling a Swedish newspaper he won't play for defending champion Sweden in the Olympic hockey tournament next year.

"There will be no Olympics in Vancouver for me next year," he said. "I will not change my mind. I think it's time that the next generation takes over."

The 38-year-old Sundin signed with the Canucks midway through last season after contemplating retirement, continuing a future-Hall-of-Fame career spent mostly with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After a slow start, he played his best hockey towards the end of the playoffs, and would almost certainly be welcomed back to Vancouver, though not at the $10-million a season he was originally offered by the Canucks. It's an option he hasn't yet ruled out.

"Absolutely," Sundin said of a return to the Canucks. "I will think about my future the next couple of weeks. I will make a decision in the summer."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "That made it even more special. It was definitely an honor and I'll remember that for the rest of my life. I hope he stays because he seems like a pretty cool guy." -- C Jordan Schroeder, on having his selection by the Canucks, 22nd overall at this summer Entry Draft, announced by team captain and star goaltender Roberto Luongo, whose presence at the Canucks draft table in his hometown of Montreal affirmed reports he was close to signing a long-term contract extension in Vancouver.