Why did Trevor Linden and the Canucks part ways?

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A day later, and we still don’t really know why Trevor Linden is now the former President of the Vancouver Canucks.

Owner Francesco Aquilini says Linden left on good terms, “to pursue different endeavors.”

“There are rumblings that the Canucks may hold a news conference sometime later Thursday. Maybe we’ll get more clarity on that. But by and large, the rumblings that I keep hearing is that it’s a legitimate, amicable split,” says Sportsnet 650’s James Cybulski.

“I hear that there was a little bit of a ‘too many cooks in the kitchen’ sort of approach here with Trevor Linden and Jim Benning, when it came to making actual hockey decisions. So, part of the role of the President of Hockey Operations partly became somewhat redundant, to a degree,” he explains.

“The Canucks lose the goodwill ambassador, if you will,” says Cybulski. “Not to say that he was just a figure head — he was a very popular player and allowed to kind of deflect some of the shrapnel that was being thrown at the organization over the next few years.”

“Having said that, I don’t see a lot of teams lining up to try to hire Trevor Linden, just based on where this team is right now.”

In a news release, managing partner Francesco Aquilini said the team was entering an “exciting new era.” He thanked Linden for his accomplishments and his hard work.

“This team and this game hold a special place in my life and I leave very optimistic about the direction the Canucks are headed,” says a statement posted online from Linden.

He feels from ownership to hockey and business operations, “the club is as strong as its been in years.”

Linden adds he believes Canucks fans are getting hope for the team again.

“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,” he adds.

It also sounds like Linden will be staying in Vancouver, as he signed off his message with “I am sure I will see you around town.”

Linden’s time with the Canucks began 30 years ago, when he was selected 2nd overall by the team at the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. He played for the team until he was traded to the New York Islanders in 1998.

Three years later, he returned to the Canucks, where he played until his retirement from playing hockey in 2008. He retired 20 years to the day of being drafted.

The Canucks retired Linden’s jersey number, 16, a few months later.

He was president of hockey operations for the team for four years.

For up to the minute sports coverage, you can follow @Sportsnet650 on Twitter or subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox. Listen live for sports reports at :15 and :45.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today