[News] Mike Gillis fired. Linden named President. of Hockey Ops

[sureLoss]

Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger
Not sure exactly what will go down in Van today, but Trevor Linden's name is in the mix. Perhaps, Van using Sakic and Av's template...#TSN

Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
Further to @DarrenDreger, nothing official yet, but sounds like Trevor Linden expected to be new president in VAN.


update:

Canucks Sports & Entertainment announced today that Mike Gillis has been relieved of his duties as President and General Manager.

"On behalf of my entire family, I would like to sincerely thank Mike Gillis for his hard work and the many contributions he made on and off the ice during his tenure,” said Francesco Aquilini, Chairman, Canucks Sports & Entertainment. "The Vancouver Canucks had success under Mike's leadership, and we nearly reached our ultimate goal; but I believe we have reached a point where a change in leadership and new voice is needed.”

"I also want to thank our fans for their support for the Vancouver Canucks through a difficult and frustrating season," continued Aquilini. "We haven’t met their expectations or ours. We are committed to bringing the Stanley Cup to Vancouver for our fans and we will continue to do everything possible to reach that goal."

[Erick Estrada]

Looks like Gillis and Torts will be shown the door. Not sure if it's a good move as it kind of reeks of Oilers going back to the good old boys club. What's Linden's credentials to run an NHL team?

[sureLoss]

Gillis was the previous president, so if not out right fired, getting a big demotion.

[sureLoss]

Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
One scenario, as yet UNCONFIRMED, is GM Mike Gillis would be fired, Linden would hire new GM and new GM would sort out future of Tortorella.

So Burke and Linden will potentially be vying for the same candidates for GM.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Let the tear down begin!!!

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Looks like Gillis and Torts will be shown the door. Not sure if it's a good move as it kind of reeks of Oilers going back to the good old boys club. What's Linden's credentials to run an NHL team?

Likely watching similar moves work for Tampa and Colorado but not realizing that Yzerman spent time learning under Holland and Roy at least ran a junior team. Linden was the president of the NHLPA during the lockout that cancelled the season but yeah.. not too sure.

[the_only_turek_fan]

I can totally see Pat Quinn coming back.

[Muta]

Vancouver got jealous of the fact that we're GM hunting, and wanted to stick their hand in the cookie jar too.

I hope they hire Milbury.

[Regulator75]

Maybe Linden will finally bring some class to that trashy organization?

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Looks like Gillis and Torts will be shown the door. Not sure if it's a good move as it kind of reeks of Oilers going back to the good old boys club. What's Linden's credentials to run an NHL team?

President of NHLPA? Either way I'd have mixed feelings about this. Linden is one of a handful of Canucks I've liked over the years. To have him become the leader of that organization? Yuck.

[Vinny01]

If Torts somehow survives I wonder if Feaster will get another job?

[TriCitiesHockeyFan]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Looks like Gillis and Torts will be shown the door. Not sure if it's a good move as it kind of reeks of Oilers going back to the good old boys club. What's Linden's credentials to run an NHL team?

what were yzerman's?

[Burke Salad]

Linden is a classy guy, maybe he can change the culture of that team.

[19Yzerman19]

Originally Posted by TriCitiesHockeyFan

what were yzerman's?

Learning the ropes as understudy to Ken freakin' Holland for multiple years?
That said I have no idea what "president" means within the Canucks organization. It seemed to just be an additional word in front of Gillis's GM position. So I'm not entirely sure what kind of impact Linden would have other than from a marketing and fan appeasement standpoint.

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by TriCitiesHockeyFan

what were yzerman's?

before he took the Lightning GM position?

vice president of Detroit Red Wings 2006-2010
GM for Team Canada for 2007 World Championships
GM for Team Canada for 2010 Winter Olympics


Linden doesn't seem to have any relevant experience in running a professional hockey team except arguably being the head of the NHLPA for a few years

even Sakic did a two year stint in the Avs front-office before he was named president

[TriCitiesHockeyFan]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

before he took the Lightning GM position?

vice president of Detroit Red Wings 2006-2010
GM for Team Canada for 2007 World Championships
GM for Team Canada for 2010 Winter Olympics


Linden doesn't seem to have any relevant experience in running a professional hockey team except arguably being the head of the NHLPA for a few years

even Sakic did a two year stint in the Avs front-office before he was named president

no when he took a front office spot in detroit

[strombad]

Originally Posted by TriCitiesHockeyFan

no when he took a front office spot in detroit

Irrelevant. He was VP in Detroit, which is the perfect position to learn about running a team.

[Stanathan]

This is terrible news, I was enjoying the garbage fire in Vancouver and was looking forward to it continuing.

[MissTeeks]

Farhan Lalji‏@FarhanLaljiTSN5 mins

Linden says on Global he has not been approached by ownership about #canucks prez job & than an announcement is not imminent

[Ashasx]

Kinda sucks that the Canucks are making these necessary changes so soon. I was hoping they'd toil around for a couple years.