Canucks Re-Sign Trevor Linden

[Thrillhouse]

Vancouver, B.C. - Vancouver Canucks Senior Vice-President and General Manager Dave Nonis announced today that the Canucks have re-signed forward Trevor Linden to a new contract.

Linden, 37, is entering his 19th NHL season (16th with Vancouver) and holds the title for franchise records in a number of categories. Linden is the all-time franchise leader in games played (1081) and points (721), as well as the team’s franchise leader in playoff games played (118), playoff goals (34), playoff assists (61), and playoff points (95). On April 23, 2007 in Game 7 of the Western Conference Quarter-Final series against the Dallas Stars, Linden notched his 34th career playoff goal as a Canuck, tying Pavel Bure for the all-time franchise lead.

Last season, the 6’4”, 220 lbs. winger appeared in 80 games with the Canucks, recording 25 points (12-13-25) and 34 penalty minutes including a game-winning marker in the season opener. He also appeared in all 12 playoff games with Vancouver, tying for the team lead in scoring with seven points (2-5-7). Linden notched two game-winning goals in the post-season, including the winning marker in Game 7 against the Dallas Stars.

Over his NHL career, which includes tenure with the New York Islanders, the Washington Capitals, and the Montreal Canadiens in addition to Vancouver, Linden has played in 1323 career games recording 855 points (368-487-855) and 880 penalty minutes. He has also appeared in 124 career NHL playoff games, registering 99 points (34-65-99) and 104 penalty minutes.

In addition to his work on the ice, Linden has had an equally large impact in the community off the ice. In 2003, Linden was appointed to the Order of British Columbia in recognition for service with the greatest distinction and excellence in a field of endeavour benefiting the people of the Province. Linden is also a recipient of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.

The Medicine Hat, Alberta-native was originally drafted by the Vancouver Canucks second overall in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. In 1998, Linden was traded to the New York Islanders in exchange for Todd Bertuzzi, Bryan McCabe and a third round draft pick (Jarkko Ruutu); in 2001 the Canucks re-acquired Linden along with a second round pick in 2002 from the Washington Capitals for a first round pick in the 2002 draft and a third round pick in the 2003 draft.

[jkidd]

One of the few Nucks that truely stepped up last year in the playoffs, along with Jeff Cowan. Good to see him coming back. I hate the Nucks with a passion, but have always appreciated Trevor Linden's play.

[canuckfan]

Well, how about that! My fave player coming back for one more year, thats good news. I wonder what the terms were, but I hope it's for not much more than what he made last season.

He played great down the stretch and was terrific in the playoffs. A few people may sneer at this signing, but I think Linden can still bring a lot to this team on and off the ice. I liked the way Vigneault used him last season, and while he may not get the same kind of ice time and pp time he got last season, he can still play well in a good variety of roles. Good stuff, that just made my day.

[Juha82]

Important move by Canucks.

[CairnsisGod]

"Linden is also a recipient of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice"

What a joke. Sorry, old resentments die hard.

[peacemaker]

Good move ny the 'Nucks esp if Linden accepts a reduced role (ie sitting out games to keep his old legs fresh for the playoffs).

But, as amentioned above his contract should be about the same as last season. Hopefully, after this season, he will retire a Canuck.

[canuckfan]

Originally Posted by peacemaker

But, as amentioned above his contract should be about the same as last season. Hopefully, after this season, he will retire a Canuck.

1 year, 600,000, plus bonuses that could reach up to 900k.

Thats about the same deal as last year, wasn't it? Or did he earn 550k plus bonus? Can't recall, but it sounds familiar.

[Snipes19]

Great signing by the Canucks.

Linden has been a long-time Canuck, so he's showed a ton of loyalty to that organization. The Canucks have another good team this year, and will likely make the playoffs so Trevor definitely deserves to be a part of that again.

He adds good size and great leadership. He's a good veteran guy that's a true leader and warrior on and off the ice, and he had a good postseason last year so it was a good idea to bring him back.

This move can't hurt, IMO. I like it.

[canuck2]

This guy just keeps proving people wrong. He is really slow now and I would have thought the new NHL would be too fast for him.

Has had good playoff performances. Always good to have guys like that. If Scott Mellanby managed to play last year with beer league speed why not Linden?

[BROKEN*ORBITAL]

Originally Posted by canuckfan

1 year, 600,000, plus bonuses that could reach up to 900k.

Thats about the same deal as last year, wasn't it? Or did he earn 550k plus bonus? Can't recall, but it sounds familiar.

According to his agent, the bonus is based on games played.

[GIANTSFAN]

I don't have a problem with them resigning Linden. What bothers me is that Nonis won't go out & get a legit heavyweight & that they play the trap. The fans & media complained for years that the Wild & NJ played the trap. The Canucks do it, & all of a sudden it's ok? Most of the games are extremely boring, & the fact that there is no animosity in the league or no rivalries to speak of makes the games unwatchable.

[Isles4life]

He'll continue to be a good veteran influence for the team. He sets a good example for the rest of the team, even in a role that has diminished with age.

[Odjick29]

Originally Posted by GIANTSFAN

I don't have a problem with them resigning Linden. What bothers me is that Nonis won't go out & get a legit heavyweight & that they play the trap. The fans & media complained for years that the Wild & NJ played the trap. The Canucks do it, & all of a sudden it's ok? Most of the games are extremely boring, & the fact that there is no animosity in the league or no rivalries to speak of makes the games unwatchable.

Well let's just pray that Rypien makes the team, he may be a smaller tough guy but he will go with anyone regardless of size and can toss with both hands...

[dp]

Originally Posted by Odjick29

Well let's just pray that Rypien makes the team, he may be a smaller tough guy but he will go with anyone regardless of size and can toss with both hands...

I love the guy, I watched him back when started with the Moose, but he needs to be careful arround the heavyweights. They are beyond him.

I am not sure what the Canucks do. I don't think the Moose have a killer heavy like some teams. I would like them to get one, just for the potential of a call up against Anaheim, etc.

[HordiBrusk29]

Rypien deserves a roster spot over someone like Burrows.