Linden is a Canuck, again
(11/11/01) Courtesy of The Hockey News
Vancouver, British Columbia (Sports Network) - The Vancouver Canucks have re- acquired veteran center Trevor Linden from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2002 first and third round draft pick. The Canucks also received a conditional second round draft selection in 2002.
Linden was traded by the Canucks to the New York Islanders in February 1998. He has played for two teams since and had just a goal and two assists in 16 games for the Capitals this season.
Linden was the second overall pick in the 1988 draft and is a two-time All- Star. He had six 30-goal seasons with the Canucks and became a fan favorite, leading Vancouver to the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals. He was named captain of the Canucks during the 1990-91 season but handed the captaincy to Mark Messier on the eve of the 1997-98 campaign. He played just 42 more games in a Vancouver uniform after that.
Linden, 31, spent just one full season with the Islanders, totaling 18 goals and 29 assists in 1998-99. He was traded to Montreal for a first-round pick in May 1999, but spent two injury-plagued seasons with the Canadiens before moving on to Washington in a deal involving Dainius Zubrus, Jan Bulis and Richard Zednik.
The 14-year veteran remains the leading playoff scorer in Vancouver history with 30 goals and 50 assists in 79 games.
Canucks bring C Linden back to Vancouver in trade with Caps
(11/11/01) Courtesy of Excite Sports
WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Trevor Linden is heading back to the Vancouver Canucks. The former Canucks' captain was re-acquired from the Washington Capitals on Saturday night with a conditional second-round draft pick for a 2002 first-round pick.
Linden's career has sputtered since Vancouver traded him to the New York Islanders in February 1998. He has played for two teams since and had just a goal and two assists in 16 games for the Capitals this season.
"Trevor didn't ask to be traded, but rather his performance wasn't meeting his or our expectations," Washington general manager George McPhee said. "We didn't want an older player, so the first-round draft pick was the best option.
"It's all about performance. And if you're not performing, changes have to be made."
The second overall pick in the 1988 draft and a two-time All-Star, Linden had six 30-goal seasons with the Canucks and became a fan favorite. He was named team captain during the 1990-91 season but handed the captaincy to Mark Messier on the eve of the 1997-98 campaign and played just 42 more games in a Vancouver uniform.
Linden, 31, spent just one full season with the Islanders, totaling 18 goals and 29 assists in 1998-99. He was traded to Montreal for a first-round pick in May 1999 but spent two injury-plagued seasons with the Canadiens before moving on to Washington in a deal involving Dainius Zubrus, Jan Bulis and Richard Zednik.
With playmaker Andrew Cassels sidelined with a sprained MCL, Linden has a chance to step in as the Canucks' No. 2 center behind Brendan Morrison. The 14-year veteran remains the leading playoff scorer in Vancouver history with 30 goals and 50 assists in 79 games.
"We're very pleased to have Trevor back in Vancouver," Canucks general manager Brian Burke said. "Our expectation is that Trevor will add versatility, leadership and experience to our forwards, and we were able to add him without subtracting from the core of our group."
Canucks re-aquire Trevor Linden
(11/10/01) Courtesy of nhl.com
Vancouver - Vancouver Canucks President and General Manager Brian Burke announced today that the Canucks have re-acquired former captain Trevor Linden and a 2nd round pick in the 2002 Entry Draft from the Washington Capitals in exchange for Vancouver's 1st and 3rd round picks in the Draft. Linden, 31, led the Canucks to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1994 and is one of the most popular players in team history. Drafted 2nd overall in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft, Linden made an immediate impact with the Canucks as an 18-year-old, and was quickly named captain as a 21-year-old in 1991. The Medicine Hat, AB native proceeded to play in 481 consecutive games for Vancouver, captained the Vancouver Canucks for eight seasons, and is still the club's all-time leading playoff scorer.
The Canucks have also agreed to pay a portion of Linden's $4 million salary. Next year Linden is set to earn $4.5 million. Linden is expected to join the Canucks this Sunday versus the Minnesota Wild.
Linden, 31, will be returning to the team he broke into the league with in 1988. After 10 seasons in Vancouver, Linden went to the New York Islanders before moving on to Montreal.
In his second season with Washington, Linden has one goal and two assists in 16 games this season.
Linden Trade
Courtesy of Excite Sports
WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Already one of the NHL's best teams, the Washington Capitals acquired center Trevor Linden, right wing Dainius Zubrus and defenseman Jason Marshall in trade deadline deals with the Montreal Canadiens and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Washington sent right wing Richard Zednik, center Jan Bulis and a 2001 first-round draft pick to Montreal on Tuesday to get Linden, Zubrus and a 2001 second-round pick. The Capitals dealt defenseman Alexei Tezikov and a 2001 fourth-round pick to Anaheim for Marshall. Linden, 30, is a 13-year veteran who brings leadership and a wealth of playoff experience. He reached the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals and is the leading postseason scorer in Vancouver Canucks history, although he has not appeared in a playoff game since 1996. That drought will end with the Capitals, who lead the Southeast Division by 15 points and are third in the Eastern Conference with 86 points. They have won five straight and are 15-2-2-0 in the last 19 games. The 6-4, 214-pound Linden missed 13 games with a foot injury and has 12 goals and 21 assists in 57 games this season. Zubrus, 22, also has battled injuries, sitting out 19 games with a concussion. The former first-round pick got off to a quick start, recording his first career hat trick on October 14 and scoring twice three nights later. He has 12 goals and 12 assists in 49 games. A 6-4, 221-pound native of Lithuania, Zubrus spent his first 2 1/2 seasons with Philadelphia. He was traded to the Canadiens in the March 1999 deal for Mark Recchi and posted career highs last season with 14 goals and 28 assists in 73 games. Zednik is playing his best hockey of the season with three goals and three assists in the last five games and 14 points in his last 21 contests. After dyeing his hair blond, the 25-year-old Czech recorded his first career hat trick on Halloween against Detroit. Zednik was seventh on the Caps in scoring with 16 goals and 19 assists in 62 games. Bulis, who turns 23 on Sunday, missed 19 games with a broken thumb but has a goal and nine assists in his last 13 contests. Also a Czech, his season totals are five goals and 13 assists in 39 games. The 30-year-old Marshall will add depth to a Capitals' defense that ranks 13th in the league. He will be reunited with Ron Wilson, who also coached him in Anaheim for four seasons. Marshall has three goals, four assists and 105 penalty minutes in 50 games and could be in the lineup on Tuesday night, when Washington hosts the Ducks. Tezikov, 22, played 28 games over two seasons with the Capitals but has spent all of 2000-01 with Portland of the American Hockey League and had seven goals and 23 assists in 57 games.
Linden wins weekly honors
NEW YORK (Oct. 23, 2000) - Montreal Canadiens center Trevor Linden has been named NHL.com's Air Force Reserve Above and Beyond Player of the Week for the period of Monday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 22. Linden posted eight points (three goals, five assists) and a plus-minus rating of plus-4 in three games. The Canadiens (4-3-1-0 in eight games) are off to their best start since 1997-98. Linden edged Colorado Avalanche center Peter Forsberg (5-4-9 in three games, plus-3 rating), Atlanta Thrashers right wing Donald Audette (4-4-8 in three games), Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Fredrik Modin (5-2-7 in three games, plus-3 rating), Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Sean Burke (2-0-0, 1.48 goals-against average, .957 save percentage) and Washington Capitals center Adam Oates (2-4-6 in three games, plus-1 rating) to capture his first Player of the Week award. Linden opened the week with two points in a 4-3 home victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 17, notching a power-play goal and an assist. He repeated his performance on Oct. 19, helping the Canadiens to a 3-3 tie against the Philadelphia Flyers. On Oct. 21, Linden tallied three assists and scored the game-winning goal as the Canadiens defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-2. Linden and linemates Brian Savage (3-2-5) and Martin Rucinsky (1-4-5) combined for all of Montreal's points in the win. Linden ranks among League scoring leaders with 10 points (3-7-10) in eight games and is tied with Savage as the Canadiens' top scorer. Playing in his 13th NHL season, the 30-year-old has posted a career record of 673 points (291-382-673) in 867 games. Linden and the Canadiens will attempt to extend their four-game home winning streak when they host the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, Oct. 24.0
Canucks Eye Linden Return
(02-06-00) Courtesy of The Province
TORONTO -- There is mounting evidence the Canucks are seeking to reacquire Trevor Linden. Insiders say Vancouver has held talks with Montreal about a trade that would bring the ex-captain back to the city where he began his career.
Linden has been feeling the heat since he was acquired by the Habs from the Islanders for a first-round pick and then signed a four-year deal at the outset of this season, which has turned out dismally for both team and player.
Linden, who has just five goals in his injury-filled year, signed a $15-million-US deal and the success of the talks apparently hinges on how much of this tab the Habs would be willing to pick up.
The Canucks are said to be offering Todd Bertuzzi, but one would expect it might take a little more than this left-winger to bring about such a move, even with Linden's numbers at an all-time low.
Canucks officials weren't available for the mandatory denial.
Trevor Comments on Being an Islander and leaving A place he called home
CALGARY (CP) _ Trevor Linden had become Captain Canuck in Vancouver, the symbol of a franchise, its most familiar face, a fixture among charities in the community. He's played a lot of inspired hockey here at the 'Dome, in front of his parents who drive in from Medicine Hat to watch Linden play. Friday night, he returned as a New York Islander. ``It was weird, being in a different uniform for the first time,'' conceded Linden. ``You don't spend as much time in one place, as I did in Vancouver, and not feel comfortable. You get into a routine, you know where everything is . . . and suddenly you're uprooted and placed in a new, unfamiliar environment.'' There may have been validity to claims that perhaps Linden had grown too comfortable on the West Coast, perhaps a little stale _ he won't argue that. Perhaps a change was the best thing for him. The early stages of Linden's Isles' career have been quiet _ three goals and seven points in nine games. But the organization's faith in him was obvious when he was given the captain's C, left unclaimed after Bryan McCabe departed for Vancouver. Linden has resolutely refused to answer proddings about Iron Mike Keenan, despite the fact that Keenan clearly numbered him among his `targets.' ``I've been asked this question at least a thousand times already,'' replied Linden, sighing, ``and I really have nothing to say.''
Islanders Trade Linden to Montreal
UNIONDALE, N.Y. (May 29, 1999) - The New York Islanders Saturday traded center Trevor Linden to Montreal for the Canadiens' first-round pick in this year's Entry Draft.
Linden, 29, has signed a four-year contract with the Canadiens. He was to become a restricted free agent on July 1.
"It was a tough decision," Islanders General Manager Mike Milbury said. "He's a class act and a good player. I won't kid you -- there were financial considerations in moving him."
Linden, the Islanders captain, had 18 goals and 29 assists in 82 games last season.
"I didn't want to be traded and I didn't ask to be traded," Linden said. "I'll miss the guys I played with. Going to Montreal is exciting because it's the center of hockey."
The Islanders received the 10th overall pick in the draft for Linden, who was traded to the Islanders in February of 1998 after nine seasons with the Vancouver Canucks.
Associated Press
Islanders sign team captain Trevor LindenTuesday, 6 October, 1998
UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) -- The New York Islanders signed team captain Trevor Linden to a contract Tuesday, just four days before they open their NHL season. Linden, acquired from the Vancouver Canucks last season for Bryan McCabe and Todd Bertuzzi, had seven goals and 17 points for the Islanders in 25 games. He has 257 career goals and 329 assists for 586 points. Terms of the contract were not disclosed, though it is believed to be a one-year deal worth $2.5 million. General manager-coach Mike Milbury is happy to have Linden back in the fold. "We're a better team with him in the lineup," Milbury said. "I'm glad it didn't last any longer than it had to." Milbury said Linden has been working out in the offseason, and will the team will get its first look at him either Wednesday or Thursday. The Islanders open their season at home on Saturday against Pittsburgh, and Milbury thinks Linden will be able to step right in. "I would suspect he'll play Saturday night, unless he says he needs more time," Milbury said.
Linden gives up C to MessierThursday, October 2, 1997
TOKYO (CP) -- Veteran centre Trevor Linden said today he is handing over his team captaincy to Mark Messier. "Mark is one of the NHL's all-time greatest leaders," Linden said following the team's practice. Vancouver and the Anaheim Mighty Ducks play the first NHL regular-season games outside of North American on Friday and Saturday. "I've had a chance to play both as Mark's opponent and a teammate (and) the positive impact and leadership he brings is something that doesn't come along everyday." Messier would be the 10th captain in the Canucks' history. He had been the New York Rangers' captain for the last five years before signing with Vancouver as a free agent. Prior to that, he was the Edmonton Oilers' captain for three years. He is the only player in NHL history to captain two different Stanley Cup winners. Linden was a co-captain for the Canucks during the 1990-91 season and became the team's sole captain the next season. He would have become the Canucks' longest-serving captain this season. Stan Smyl also served seven years as team captain from 1982-83 to '88-89.
Trevor Linden wins the King Clancy Award
Vancouver Canucks' right wing and captain, Trevor Linden is a positive role model for the community and for the National Hockey League. This 26 year old native of Medicine Hat, Alta, was recently praised for his continued commitment to the community last month by receiving the 1996-97 King Clancy Trophy.
The award is given to "the player who best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice and who has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community." It was a franchise first for the Canucks, as well as, the only second major NHL award to go to a member of their team.
In giving back to the community, Trevor Linden has a full agenda. He frequently visits British Columbia Children's Hospital. While at the hospital, Linden spends most of his time in the cancer ward with shut-in, terminally ill children and has since become a big supporter/spokesperson for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Trevor has also lent his time to the Cancer Society Lottery for Hope. The Lottery for Hope is a fundraising initiative from British Columbia & Yukon Division of the Canadian Cancer Society. As spokesman for this fundraising campaign, Trevor made several appearances in the Vancouver area. He also recorded a radio and television public service announcements for the cause.
Through the McDonalds Restaurants of Canada and the Youth Against Violence Program, Linden acts as a spokesperson and role model for the youth of British Columbia. The purpose of this program is to encourage crime prevention by discussing youth crime and violence issues. The program also creates and implement projects to increase personal, family, and community safety.
Trevor has become the honorary spokesperson for the Canuck Place, a hospice for terminally ill children and their families that provides counseling and bereavement care to the child or to their families during the end stages of their diseases.
Linden spearheaded his own community program called Trevor's Captain's Crew. In it's 2nd year, the program enables underprivileged children to attend a free Canucks hockey game. With the support and enthusiasm from Orca Bay Sports & Entertainment and the owners of the Vancouver Canucks, Linden's vision developed into a comprehensive program called "Captain's Crew". With this program, up to twenty children are given complimentary tickets and their own private luxury suite at the General Motors Place. They also enjoy a limousine transportation to and from the game, their own Captain's Crew T-shirt, and feast on all popcorn, hot dogs, pizza, and soda they can consume.
Trevor's guests are officially welcomed to the game by way of video jumbotron scoreboard. After the game, Linden goes to the suite signs every child's T-shirt, poses for a group photo, and raffles off his hockey stick from that evenings game. His reward, he says, is knowing children will understand that people care about their welfare.
In addition to his exceptional humanitarian accomplishments, Linden was a finalist in the Gillette World Champion Program. For this honor he was selected by a group of 100 journalists across Canada who nominate athletes that posses athletic excellence, sportsmanship, and dedication to creating good will.
As a result of being one of the finalists in the Gillette Champion Program, Trevor received $25,000 to donate to various charities of choice. Charities benefited were a Christmas fund for needy children, an orphan's fund, a children's foundation, the Larry Ashley Foundation (geared towards children who wish to study sports medicine or to pursue a career in athletic training, in honor of late and former Canuck trainer, Larry Ashley), and the Ronald McDonald House. Each charity was awarded 5,000 dollars. In an interview with a local Vancouver newspaper, Trevor was asked, what influenced him to give back to the community so consistently; his response; "I am very honored, I feel I have an obligation as a professional athlete to help out and do what I can in the community. As a player in the National Hockey League, I am lucky I have the chance and means to do so."
Trevor Linden is the Canucks highest scoring active player, all-time assist leader, third on the all-time scoring list, ranked first in all-time play-off games played (79), and humanitarian.
The 1996-97 King Clancy Trophy committee made an excellent decision in selecting Trevor Linden for his commitment to the community and his achievements on the ice.
