Report: Messier a Canuck

Free agent Mark Messier has reportedly turned down an offer from the New York Rangers to sign a long-term deal with the Vancouver Canucks.

According to a broadcast reports Sunday night, Messier, 36, has signed a three-year, $18-million deal with the Canucks after meeting with team owner John McCaw on the West Coast.

ESPN and UPN 9, a television station based in Secaucus, N.J., citing an unidentified source close to the negotiations, reported that Messier has agreed to the deal. UPN 9 said the deal will be announced at a news conference today.

John Rosasco, a spokesman for the Rangers, said Sunday night the team had not been informed of any decision by Messier to sign with another team.

Since becoming a free agent on July 1, Messier has talked to several teams about a new contract--including the Rangers, who reportedly offered him a two-year deal worth $10 million with an option year.

Messier has played six seasons with the Rangers and led them to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years in 1994. He also won five other Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers.

Messier led the Rangers last season with 36 goals, and his 84 points were second only to Wayne Gretzky’s 97.