The Tootoo train heads for Motor City

Amanda Eeyeevadluk, 17, stands with NHL star Jordin Tootoo June 30 in Iqaluit. It was Tootoo’s last stop on a promotional tour for Norterra and Canadian North. On July 1, Tootoo announced he’s leaving the Nashville Predators to play for the Detroit Red Wings. (PHOTO BY DAVID MURPHY)

Nunavut’s best-loved hockey player, Jordin Tootoo, has signed with the Detroit Red Wings.

The Red Wings signed Tootoo to a three-year $5.7 million dollar contract, announced July 1, according to sports blog Rotoworld.com.

Tootoo, 29, previously spent eight years with the Nashville Predators.

“I think the biggest thing is, I know Detroit,” he told Rotoworld.com.

“We played against them many times over the years, and I thought this would be a great fit. I bring an element to the game that no other player brings. I think I’m in the prime of my career.”

The Rotoworld site states that the Wings, “don’t really have a guy like me,” and that Tootoo is excited to put on the Wings jersey.

Tootoo said on Twitter July 2 that he is very honored to be a Detroit Red Wing and thanks them for the opportunity.

And he said on Twitter that he’s looking forward to playing for an Original Six team.

Earlier this year, Tootoo was nominated for the Bill Masterton Trophy, the NHL’s sportsmanship award.

In 2011, Tootoo checked into a rehab clinic in Los Angeles for alcohol abuse.

However, this year Tootoo was ahead of his previous career-high of 18 points, set in 2007-08 and matched last year, with 30 points and six goals.