Linden leaving Canucks

Photo: CTV

Trevor Linden is leaving the Vancouver Canucks.

The team announced Wednesday that Linden is leaving his role as president of hockey operations after four years.

"There aren't many individuals in sport more connected to a team and a community than Trevor is in Vancouver," Canucks managing partner Francesco Aquilini said in a press release.

"The Canucks are entering an exciting new era thanks in large part to Trevor's leadership and hard work. I thank Trevor for all of his accomplishments and I am confident that (GM) Jim Benning and his staff will continue that momentum in the months ahead."

Linden is leaving the organization "to pursue different endeavours," the team said.

Linden is also one of the most accomplished and celebrated players in team history, with leadership and community connections rooted in British Columbia for more than two decades. He played 19 NHL seasons, having recorded 867 points (375-492-867) in 1382 regular season games with the Canucks, Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders and Washington Capitals. Throughout his career, Linden was a proven playoff performer. In 124 playoff games, he recorded 99 points (34-65-99) and 104 penalty minutes.

"This is a difficult day," Linden said in a personal note on the NHL website.

"This team and this game hold a special place in my life, and I leave very optimistic about the direction the Canucks are headed.

"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."