Former hockey star Trevor Linden has officially been named the new president of the Vancouver Canucks. The announcement follows a string of events in past few days that witnessed the Canucks missing the playoffs for the first time in six years and former president and general manager Mike Gillis getting fired.
Linden will chiefly be responsible for all hockey operations, including coaching and scouting staffs, player procurement and development, and minor league affiliations and operations.
"Today is a real honour. I came to Vancouver 26 years ago and I have never left. I love this city. It is my home and the Canucks have always been part of my family," Linden said in a statement.
"I'm passionate about the Canucks and I want to win - just like our fans. I believe in this team and share the organization's commitment to excellence on and off the ice. I am looking forward to getting started - getting to know everyone in the organization, and working together to win the Stanley Cup for this great city and Province."
Further, media reports suggest that Linden will consider internal and external candidates for the club's general manager post. He spoke with John Tortorella Wednesday morning and also plans to meet the players. Linden stated that any decision about coaching will be made after evaluations are done once the regular season ends.
Linden was the Canucks captain from 1990 to 1997 and led the team to the Stanley Cup final in 1994.
