NHL
The Vancouver Canucks and President of Hockey Operations Trevor Linden have agreed to part ways. This isn’t too shocking as Linden never looked comfortable in the role of president. I don’t think anyone expected this. Linden was hired as President of Hockey Operations in 2014 when Mike Gillis was fired after the Canucks missed the playoffs. Linden has decided to leave the organization to pursue other opportunities. and spend more time with his family. There has to be more reasoning to Linden leaving his post as President. We may never know the main reason why but we do know that Linden has left the organization.
The Time With Linden
In four seasons with Linden, the Canucks missed the playoffs for three straight seasons. The only time the team made the playoffs was the mirage of the 2014-15 season. In Linden’s four seasons as the Canucks record is 140-150-38. Linden and General Manager Jim Benning have been saying they want to put young guys in the system to grow and develop but sign veteran forwards. Then they say they want to win and compete and hopefully make the playoffs. After taking over both Linden and Benning liked the team’s core and believed they can turn it around quickly.
Unfortunately, the Canucks have been on a downward spiral after the 2014-15 season. Sure, they have a great prospect pool but signing too many veterans to long-term deals have delayed the Canucks hope for competing again.
Linden has made some strange comments in his tenure. Before the 2015-16 season, he believed the Canucks could replicate the 2014-15 season. When they missed the playoffs, he said he knew that the team was going to make the playoffs. He even threw around the word “rebuild” a few times. Then, he and Benning decided to sign veterans to long-term and contracts.
Trevor Linden stepped down as president of the @Canucks. Being president of a rebuilding team in a Canadian market is not easy on anyone. From one source : he had enough.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) July 26, 2018
A Statement From Linden
Linden released this statement yesterday.
Good afternoon, This is a difficult day, as I am writing to let you know that I am leaving my role as President of Hockey Operations for the Vancouver Canucks…
This team and this game hold a special place in my life and I leave very optimistic about the direction the Canucks are headed.
Most of all I am excited about the highly skilled group of prospects and young stars that we have assembled. From ownership to hockey and business operations, the club is as strong as its been in years. Above it all, I can feel our fans’ sense of hope again and I know the future for the Canucks is very bright.
I love this city and this province, and I will always have a special relationship with this team and Canucks fans. I am going to step back from the spotlight for a while and enjoy the summer with my young family.
Thank you all for your amazing support. I am sure I will see you around town.
Trevor
Trevor Linden will always be Captain Canuck. He had a storied playing career in Vancouver but he never looked comfortable with the role of President. With Linden and the Sedin twins gone, it really is a new era in Vancouver.
