"The Maple Leafs have finally found a big, scoring centre who will suit up for them next season.

His name is Mats Sundin, and he can't wait to play in the Leafs-Wings alumni game that's part of the festival of hockey that paired with the NHL's Winter Classic.

"I'd love to play in that (Winter Classic), I'd love to be there, count me in," said Sundin, speaking earlier this week at a public appearance.

Such is the growth of the Winter Classic that the hype machine is already in full gear and the game in the 109,901-seat Michigan Stadium — a.k.a. The Big House — is still 11 months away. "