Dan Hamhuis didn’t want to contemplate the question. Neither did Kevin Bieksa.
So the two Vancouver Canucks defencemen sidestepped the issue of whether they would agree to waive their no-trade clauses if asked by general manager Jim Benning.
“That’s something I never really thought of,” said Hamhuis as all Canuck players met with reporters Monday following their elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs over the weekend. “I’m not really prepared to give an answer on that. It’s something I’ll probably think about if it ever happens.”
Bieksa offered a slightly more elaborate response, but still made his feelings clear. He is not looking to go anywhere after the Canucks lost in 4-2 in their opening-round playoff series with the Calgary Flames.
“I’ve never had to cross that bridge before,” said Bieksa. “I haven’t heard it brought up by anybody in the organization. I know you guys are poking around. It’s your job. But that’s not something I really even need to respond to.”
Bieksa and Hamhuis came under criticism after the Canucks fell 7-4 in Saturday’s decisive sixth game. The two blue-liners and others were blasted for allowing the Flames to overcome a 3-0 lead. Bieksa, who has spent his entire NHL career with the Canucks, said he has never been asked to waive his no-trade clause.
“My loyalty has always been to this organization and this city,” he said. “I love playing here. I don’t see anything else changing.”
The questions came up as critics called for the Canucks, who returned to the playoffs this season after missing out in 2013-14, to get younger in order to keep up with the Flames and other Western Conference rivals in the chase for a championship. But Bieksa and others said getting younger is not the sole solution to contending for the Stanley Cup.
“I don’t think you have to rebuild anymore,” said Bieksa. “I think you’re able to be competitive every year. I don’t think youth is always the answer. I don’t think making the team younger is going to help us get over the hump. You need the best players, regardless of how old they are.”
Henrik and Daniel Sedin, who were among the NHL’s top scorers in the regular season, echoed his sentiments as the issue of their ice time continued to come up. Last week, coach Willie Desjardins was blasted for not playing them enough. Monday, skeptics suggested the club might benefit if younger players get more action and increased offensive responsibilities.
But the twins tried to put the season in perspective despite Saturday’s disappointing loss. The Canucks finished second in the Pacific Division after sitting on the sidelines during the 2013-14 post-season.
“It’s a small step but a good step in the right direction,” said Henrik Sedin.
“As disappointing as it is, I think people should be excited about the future,” added Daniel Sedin.
They also dismissed the notion that the Canucks core, which was criticized by former coach John Tortorella last year as being stale, no longer has the skills needed to win the Stanley Cup within the next few seasons.
“We have no plans of getting any worse,” said Henrik Sedin. “We’re not young anymore, but we showed this year we can still be a big part of the group. We can play well, and I don’t see that changing in the next couple of years.”
In other words, the Canucks need more than just a fountain of youth to help them win their first NHL title since entering the league in 1970.
Henrik Sedin is calling for the Canucks to use a mix of youth and veteran savvy to get closer to a Stanley Cup title.
“There’s different ways to mature," he said. "If you look at teams that won, they brought the young guys up and the young guys made a difference.”
“We’re not getting younger, but I think we can still play, and I think we showed it this year,” added Daniel Sedin.
He and his brother praised Desjardins, Benning and president of hockey operations as a long-term solution that can bring Vancouver a long-sought championship. Some changes are inevitable, though.
Goaltender Eddie Lack’s future is in question because of the presence of veteran Ryan Miller, who has two years to go on a contract that pays him $6 million annually. Lack is due to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2015-16 season, and the Canucks will likely want to get some assets in return rather than risk losing him for nothing. Forwards Brad Richardson and Shawn Matthias will become unrestricted free agents this summer, and it appears likely that Matthias, who had a career year, will sign for a higher salary elsewhere.
Richardson will spend the summer recovering from ankle surgery, and it also appears that his days in Vancouver are numbered following an injury-plagued season.
Many of the adjustments will occur around the time of the NHL draft and the opening of free agency in late June and early July.
“I think Jim (Benning) and Trevor (Linden) have a clear plan with what they want do with this team, and we have a lot of confidence in the management in that department,” said Daniel Sedin.
Henrik Sedin said people have to understand how tough it is to make the playoffs now, noting talented Los Angeles, San Jose, Dallas and Colorado teams missed this year’s post-season. So the Canucks must continue to improve. The Sedins said they are aware of Benning and Linden’s plan for improving the club, but it was up to the managers to discuss it.
“They know what they need to do, and we have confidence in what they’re going to do to make us better,” said Henrik Sedin.
Showing posts with label Trevor Linden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trevor Linden. Show all posts
Monday, April 27, 2015
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Zack Kassian glad to remain a Canuck
Zack Kassian has eluded the wolf for now.
The wolf was at the door as the NHL trading deadline came and went. Despite facing intense criticism and playing inconsistently for much of the season, Kassian remained a Vancouver Canuck.
“I guess I’m still here and excited to be a part of it,” Kassian said minutes before the noon Monday deadline. “It’s always a little nerve-racking, I think, for anyone. There is a lot more than just playing hockey. You have your family, your house, your condo, your cars … you have a lot of things on the go.
“I love Vancouver, love my team, love my teammates and I definitely want to be here. Obviously if the team didn’t think I fit in, or whatnot, I’d go somewhere else, but my heart is in Vancouver. We want to get into the playoffs and we want to do some damage.”
As he spoke to reporters, it was evident that Kassian was grateful for the chance to remain a Canuck. He appeared much more relaxed than he has recently when facing the media.
General manager Jim Benning admitted that he explored the possibility of trading Kassian, 24, to see whether players “of similar ilk” were available, but wound up keeping him – at least for now.
Kassian’s play has improved greatly in the past few weeks. He now finds himself on a line with Daniel and Henrik Sedin. More importantly, he’s playing with an edge and showing signs that he can produce the offence expected of him when he was acquired in the 2012 deadline-day trade that sent Cody Hodgson to Buffalo. Heading into today’s home game against San Jose, the Vancouver winger had seven goals and two assists in his previous 11 games – a much improved output from earlier in the season, when he was a healthy scratch.
But the jury – which consists of Benning, coach Willie Desjardins and president Trevor Linden – is out until Kassian shows the consistency expected from him.
The wolf was at the door as the NHL trading deadline came and went. Despite facing intense criticism and playing inconsistently for much of the season, Kassian remained a Vancouver Canuck.
“I guess I’m still here and excited to be a part of it,” Kassian said minutes before the noon Monday deadline. “It’s always a little nerve-racking, I think, for anyone. There is a lot more than just playing hockey. You have your family, your house, your condo, your cars … you have a lot of things on the go.
“I love Vancouver, love my team, love my teammates and I definitely want to be here. Obviously if the team didn’t think I fit in, or whatnot, I’d go somewhere else, but my heart is in Vancouver. We want to get into the playoffs and we want to do some damage.”
As he spoke to reporters, it was evident that Kassian was grateful for the chance to remain a Canuck. He appeared much more relaxed than he has recently when facing the media.
General manager Jim Benning admitted that he explored the possibility of trading Kassian, 24, to see whether players “of similar ilk” were available, but wound up keeping him – at least for now.
Kassian’s play has improved greatly in the past few weeks. He now finds himself on a line with Daniel and Henrik Sedin. More importantly, he’s playing with an edge and showing signs that he can produce the offence expected of him when he was acquired in the 2012 deadline-day trade that sent Cody Hodgson to Buffalo. Heading into today’s home game against San Jose, the Vancouver winger had seven goals and two assists in his previous 11 games – a much improved output from earlier in the season, when he was a healthy scratch.
But the jury – which consists of Benning, coach Willie Desjardins and president Trevor Linden – is out until Kassian shows the consistency expected from him.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Radim Vrbata looks foward to playing with Sedins
Radim Vrbata knows his life is about to become very different.
The new Vancouver Canucks winger is looking forward to playing in a hockey-mad Canadian market for the first time as an NHLer after signing as an unrestricted free agent following five seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes. He signed a two-year, $10-million deal as the Canucks continued a rapid rebuilding effort under their new regime.
"Obviously, it'll be a big change here, coming from Phoenix," he said on a conference call Thursday. "But I'll adjust. I just have to be myself."
By being himself, Vrbata, a 33-year-old Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic native, means that he must continue to score goals. He produced 20 goals and 31 assists in 2013-14 and has averaged 24 per season in his last six campaigns.
That goal average is not gaudy by any means, but it translates into scoring consistency in an era when snipers increasingly rare compared to decades gone by. Now, Vrbata must prove he can produce in a market where he will face much more media scrutiny and pressure than he did with the formerly struggling Coyotes franchise.
Vrbata described the chance to play in Canada as a dream come true, but said it was a "bonus" rather than a priority when he weighed offers from other clubs. He wanted to play for a good organization with good players.
The comment was applicable to both the Coyotes, who have had several challenges on and off the ice as well as a Canucks team that was comical, and often sad, under former coach John Tortorella and deposed general manager Mike Gillis last season.The Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons as Tortorella's antics (namely a suspension for trying to storm the Calgary Flames dressing room in January and several other questionable decisions) and the club's lack of depth (resulting from poor drafting and trades under Gillis) took their toll.
The juries (i.e. fans) are still out in both Phoenix and Vancouver, but Vrbata comment, and signing, are indications that the Canucks regaining some respectability under new president of hockey operations and general manager Jim Benning. Despite the fact that Linden and Gillis have not held the same posts with other NHL clubs, they have attracted top free agent talent in Vrbata and goaltender Ryan Miller and swung a Ryan Kesler trade to Anaheim that produced players (Nick Bonino and Luca Sbisa) for today and draft picks for the future -- among other highlights.
The sixth-overall selection of Calgary Hitmen winger Jake Virtanen, a prototypical power forward, was also an excellent choice. (He should easily recover from off-season shoulder surgery.)
Vrbata is looking forward to playing with Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who should recover from an injury-plagued season in which they took on more defensive responsibilities than usual.
"If you play with the Sedins, you know you'll get your chances," he said.
Benning sidestepped the question of whether he promised Vrbata that he would have a chance to play with the Sedins, saying that decision was ultimately up to new coach Willie Desjardins. However, Benning noted that Vrbata's presence gives the Canucks the option of moving Alex Burrows, who enjoyed considerable success with the twins before he had a goal-starved, injury-plagued 2013-14 campaign, to the second line.
Burrows, he added, can make the second line better.
"Now, we have depth at the forward positions where everybody can contribute to the team," said Benning.
Ultimately, the games on the ice will prove him right or wrong. But he made a good point as the Canucks prepare to battle in an an ultra-competitive Western Conference..
Last season, it was telling that the Canucks never recovered when journeyman forward Mike Santorelli was sidelined for the duration of a career year (28 points in 49 games) with a shoulder injury. The Canucks, Benning acknowledged, chose Vrbata, who has 215 goals and 249 assists in 796 career regular-season games, because they felt he was a better scorer than the younger Santorelli, 28.
Benning also acknowledged that the Canucks came to terms with Vrbata on the second day of free agency after some other potential deals didn't work out when the frenzy began July 1 after new rules allowed negotiations to begin a few days in advance.
Vrbata, who has a young family, said it was hard it was hard to leave Phoenix, but it was evident that the chance to play with the Sedins was a key, if not determining factor, in his decision.
"I feel when you have chemistry with somebody, that helps so much today," he said.
Notes: Vrbata has also played for Colorado, Carolina, Chicago and Tampa Bay. ... Santorelli signed a one-year, $1.35-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. ... Vrbata played junior in Canada, with Hull (now Gatineau) and Shawinigan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. ... Now that Kesler has left, Vrbata has a chance to retain No. 17 in Vancouver after he wore the same number in Phoenix. Such a move would only heighten comparisons between the two forwards. ... Benning will concentrate on re-signing the team's restricted free agents, including defenceman Chris Tanev, this week and then see how much money he has left for more UFAs.
Follow me on Twitter @montestewart
The new Vancouver Canucks winger is looking forward to playing in a hockey-mad Canadian market for the first time as an NHLer after signing as an unrestricted free agent following five seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes. He signed a two-year, $10-million deal as the Canucks continued a rapid rebuilding effort under their new regime.
"Obviously, it'll be a big change here, coming from Phoenix," he said on a conference call Thursday. "But I'll adjust. I just have to be myself."
By being himself, Vrbata, a 33-year-old Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic native, means that he must continue to score goals. He produced 20 goals and 31 assists in 2013-14 and has averaged 24 per season in his last six campaigns.
That goal average is not gaudy by any means, but it translates into scoring consistency in an era when snipers increasingly rare compared to decades gone by. Now, Vrbata must prove he can produce in a market where he will face much more media scrutiny and pressure than he did with the formerly struggling Coyotes franchise.
Vrbata described the chance to play in Canada as a dream come true, but said it was a "bonus" rather than a priority when he weighed offers from other clubs. He wanted to play for a good organization with good players.
The comment was applicable to both the Coyotes, who have had several challenges on and off the ice as well as a Canucks team that was comical, and often sad, under former coach John Tortorella and deposed general manager Mike Gillis last season.The Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons as Tortorella's antics (namely a suspension for trying to storm the Calgary Flames dressing room in January and several other questionable decisions) and the club's lack of depth (resulting from poor drafting and trades under Gillis) took their toll.
"Now, we have depth at the forward positions where everybody can contribute to the team."
- Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning on the signing of free agent Radim Vrbata and other recent moves
The juries (i.e. fans) are still out in both Phoenix and Vancouver, but Vrbata comment, and signing, are indications that the Canucks regaining some respectability under new president of hockey operations and general manager Jim Benning. Despite the fact that Linden and Gillis have not held the same posts with other NHL clubs, they have attracted top free agent talent in Vrbata and goaltender Ryan Miller and swung a Ryan Kesler trade to Anaheim that produced players (Nick Bonino and Luca Sbisa) for today and draft picks for the future -- among other highlights.
The sixth-overall selection of Calgary Hitmen winger Jake Virtanen, a prototypical power forward, was also an excellent choice. (He should easily recover from off-season shoulder surgery.)
Vrbata is looking forward to playing with Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who should recover from an injury-plagued season in which they took on more defensive responsibilities than usual.
"If you play with the Sedins, you know you'll get your chances," he said.
Benning sidestepped the question of whether he promised Vrbata that he would have a chance to play with the Sedins, saying that decision was ultimately up to new coach Willie Desjardins. However, Benning noted that Vrbata's presence gives the Canucks the option of moving Alex Burrows, who enjoyed considerable success with the twins before he had a goal-starved, injury-plagued 2013-14 campaign, to the second line.
Burrows, he added, can make the second line better.
"Now, we have depth at the forward positions where everybody can contribute to the team," said Benning.
"I feel when you have chemistry with somebody, that helps so much today."
- New Vancouver Canucks winger Radim Vrbata on the chance of playing with Daniel and Henrik Sedin
Ultimately, the games on the ice will prove him right or wrong. But he made a good point as the Canucks prepare to battle in an an ultra-competitive Western Conference..
Last season, it was telling that the Canucks never recovered when journeyman forward Mike Santorelli was sidelined for the duration of a career year (28 points in 49 games) with a shoulder injury. The Canucks, Benning acknowledged, chose Vrbata, who has 215 goals and 249 assists in 796 career regular-season games, because they felt he was a better scorer than the younger Santorelli, 28.
Benning also acknowledged that the Canucks came to terms with Vrbata on the second day of free agency after some other potential deals didn't work out when the frenzy began July 1 after new rules allowed negotiations to begin a few days in advance.
Vrbata, who has a young family, said it was hard it was hard to leave Phoenix, but it was evident that the chance to play with the Sedins was a key, if not determining factor, in his decision.
"I feel when you have chemistry with somebody, that helps so much today," he said.
Notes: Vrbata has also played for Colorado, Carolina, Chicago and Tampa Bay. ... Santorelli signed a one-year, $1.35-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. ... Vrbata played junior in Canada, with Hull (now Gatineau) and Shawinigan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. ... Now that Kesler has left, Vrbata has a chance to retain No. 17 in Vancouver after he wore the same number in Phoenix. Such a move would only heighten comparisons between the two forwards. ... Benning will concentrate on re-signing the team's restricted free agents, including defenceman Chris Tanev, this week and then see how much money he has left for more UFAs.
Follow me on Twitter @montestewart
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Jim Benning makes good impression on first day on job
Jim Benning did not look out of place as he spoke to a large media throng as a National Hockey League general manager for the first time Friday.
Although the Vancouver Canucks’ new GM is, technically, a rookie at his position, he appeared quite the opposite, exuding a quiet confidence. He was calm, relaxed and receptive to questions that his predecessor, the fired Mike Gillis, might have evaded or simply refused to answer. Benning even introduced himself to media types.
In other words, a decidedly different era has begun.
There was no slamming of core players that former coach John Tortorella called “stale” in his final news conference with the Canucks. Instead, Benning praised the club’s “high-character” and “quality” veterans who helped the Canucks come within a game of winning the Stanley Cup in 2011.
Benning displayed no swagger or bravado, and made no promises of a quick-fix. Contrary to what others might have done, the 51-year-old Edmonton native did not appear anxious to make a strong first impression. He displayed honesty and modesty that defied his position as the new No. 2 hockey executive behind president of hockey operations Trevor Linden, a former Canucks teammate.
But Benning did make an impression while clearly demonstrating that he is not a know-it-all.
“You don’t really know if you’re ready (to be a GM) until you actually do it,” he said. “But I’m going to work hard.”
One might recall that, upon arrival, Gillis said he wasn’t sure whether Daniel and Henrik Sedin were first-line players, and he asserted that the Canucks were “not close” to being Stanley Cup contenders.
On the other hand, Benning expressed optimism, which some might say was unfounded, that the Canucks can get back to their heydays with the same core – while also saying that the club would ask a veteran to waive his no-trade clause, if management feels that’s necessary.
“I believe in our core players,” Benning said. “They're high-character people … We are going to try and help them out by having more depth on our roster and playing four lines. We need to hire the right coach. That will be an important decision for us going forward.
"Some of the players, for whatever reason, just didn't have a good season last year. It's a good team, it's a talented team, and I feel confident that these guys are going to have a good year next year."
Obviously, Benning is aware that his first major decision – the hiring of a new coach – will be pivotal to take the Canucks “back in the right direction.” In Tortorella’s one and only season with the Canucks, he was, at times, comical, ludicrous, sad and baffling.
For details, see his pre-season comments about reporters with cell phones and players’ use of Twitter; his effort to “get” Calgary Flames coach Bob Hartley by storming their dressing room; the Canucks’ losing streaks; injuries to the Sedins and others; and the decision not to call a timeout while the New York Islanders were overcoming a 3-0 third-period lead en route to a miraculous one-sided comeback win. Also, check out Tortorella’s decision to bench former top goaltender Roberto Luongo for the Heritage Classic; and Vancouver’s absence from the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2008.
Don’t expect the next Canucks coach to be as volatile or enigmatic.
“We want a coach that is firm, but fair, that has good communication skills so he can relate to the players,” said Benning. “We want a coach that is going to play a structured style of game when we don't have the puck, but give the players the freedom to skate and create when they do have the puck.”
You can expect no gong shows like the ones that occurred and longer practices than the short ones that Tortorella preferred. (Those sniffles you hear are from media types who had plenty of good quotes and story material.) The club’s style, which was often in question under Tortorella, should be more distinct under Benning and the new coach.
“We want to become a four-line team,” Benning said. “You watch the playoffs, the final four teams that are playing, they have four lines that contribute. We want our third and fourth lines to have a role in the team winning.
“We have some work to do there in getting to that point, but we want to be a four-line, (six-defencemen), complete team.”
He pledged to have third and fourth lines that have more physicality and grit, and can keep the puck in the offensive zone for a while and “take the heat off” the top two lines.
“We need to get back to what we're good at,” Benning said. “This organization needs to play an up-tempo, fast-skating, skilled game. Before last season this team had almost an attitude about them, a relentless attitude to skate and to wear teams down and to score. For whatever reason that didn't happen last year, but I am hoping with (Linden) we hire the right coach for this group and we can recapture that going forward.”
Whether Benning can get what he wants from within or outside the organization remains to be seen. This summer’s NHL draft, in which Vancouver has the sixth overall selection as its first pick, will also be crucial to the Canucks’ turnaround hopes. It could determine how long the process will take, pending the players chosen and trades that send draft choices the other way.
Benning’s skills as a scout should come in handy here.
After completing his playing career, the former Toronto Maple Leafs and Canucks defenceman went to work as a scout, initially on a part-time basis, with the Buffalo Sabres, where he spent 12 years. He rose to the post of director of amateur scouting with the Sabres and then moved on to the Boston Bruins for eight seasons and served as director of player personnel and assistant general manager.
He has worn a heavy coat and sipped hot beverages from on high in many frigid rinks. But, to his credit, he did not slag Vancouver’s beleaguered scouting crew. Head scout Ron Delorme and his cohorts have come under criticism after only one Gillis draft choice became an NHL regular. Ironically, Cody Hodgson was the former GM’s first-ever draft pick, but he now plays for Buffalo as a result of a trade that has worked heavily in the Sabres’ favour thus far.
Generally, Vancouver has had a poor draft record throughout its NHL existence. But there are some notable exceptions, including Linden, Pavel Bure and the Sedins. And, if you look closely, you will see that the bulk of the Canucks’ core was mined from the draft after being scouted by current top bird dogs.
What people tend to forget: Many teams have the same players on their lists and get access to other lists provided by NHL Central Scouting. At any rate, most scouts know who the best teenage players are and where – in the world – to find them. The challenge is to recognize other factors – namely, heart, desire, mental toughness and personal issues – and being able to forecast what most players will be like when they are supposedly ready for the NHL in about four years. The latter duty falls largely to senior management. Scouts are like waiters who serve appetizers during cocktail hour. However, with every team, the GM or, in today’s new front-office model, the GM and the president of hockey operations, investigate what is really underneath the top layer and then do the picking or the passing.
It has become increasingly evident that Gillis, Delorme and other scouts were not on the same wavelength at draft time and on many other occasions. How else do you explain the decision to draft under-sized centre Jordan Schroeder with the club’s first selection, ahead of David Perron, in 2010? Schroeder appears in danger of being let go as a restricted free agent this summer, although it should be noted that he has battled several injuries. How else do you explain other picks that have languished in the minors and not even been signed? How else do you explain the little heed paid to players from the Western Hockey League, which produces some of the league’s top players annually? These WHL players don’t just come from Canada. They also hail from the U.S. and Europe, because youngsters want to play in one of the top junior leagues in the world. What about several trades that did not work out or go as expected?
See Luongo and Schneider, Cory. Position: Goaltender.
In these matters, it was Gillis who had the final say.
To his credit, Benning did not slam Vancouver’s scouts, pledging to work with them instead.
“I come from a scouting background,” said Benning, who was drafted sixth overall by Toronto in 1981 after starring for the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL and went on to play 10 NHL seasons before concluding his career in the minors. “We are going to give these (scouts) direction. I'm going to communicate what we want, what we think a Vancouver Canuck player should be. And I'm going to work with them. I am going to get out and see games. I'm going to be part of that group and I am going to try and make that group better.”
The feeling here is that Benning’s cause will be aided if he also listens to his scouts and makes draft picks and trades based on their assessments and recommendations instead of ignoring their observations and advice. Considering that Benning used to make the recommendations and helped the Bruins make some excellent selections en route to their 2011 Stanley Cup victory, chances are that he will listen.
Again to his credit, Benning pledged to work with the management team that includes assistant general manager and salary cap specialist Laurence Gilman, who was passed for the GM’s post, and fellow assistant GM Lorne Henning and franchise icon Stan Smyl, who has the title of senior advisor to the general manager but should be called Canuck for life. Benning equated the management team to players in the dressing room who will work together and support each other.
The new GM stressed that he is not going to come in and make changes until he makes proper assessments. There was no mention of a sleep doctor or using “science” (a Gillis hallmark) to better the team, and analytics only came up briefly. In Benning’s view, they help when evaluating veteran NHLers, but not with amateurs who are still developing.
In other words, Benning is going to rebuild the Canucks in a methodical manner, largely on effort. He won’t blow up the building and start over. It remains to be seen whether that approach will appease Canuck fans, because there is considerable work to be done before the season starts. He has a coach to hire and the NHL scouting combine, draft, trades and contract matters to sort out. Not necessarily in that order.
However, if Benning’s first day on the job was any indication, he will give Canuck Nation reason to start believing in him – and his abilities – in the near future.
Although the Vancouver Canucks’ new GM is, technically, a rookie at his position, he appeared quite the opposite, exuding a quiet confidence. He was calm, relaxed and receptive to questions that his predecessor, the fired Mike Gillis, might have evaded or simply refused to answer. Benning even introduced himself to media types.
In other words, a decidedly different era has begun.
There was no slamming of core players that former coach John Tortorella called “stale” in his final news conference with the Canucks. Instead, Benning praised the club’s “high-character” and “quality” veterans who helped the Canucks come within a game of winning the Stanley Cup in 2011.
Benning displayed no swagger or bravado, and made no promises of a quick-fix. Contrary to what others might have done, the 51-year-old Edmonton native did not appear anxious to make a strong first impression. He displayed honesty and modesty that defied his position as the new No. 2 hockey executive behind president of hockey operations Trevor Linden, a former Canucks teammate.
But Benning did make an impression while clearly demonstrating that he is not a know-it-all.
“You don’t really know if you’re ready (to be a GM) until you actually do it,” he said. “But I’m going to work hard.”
One might recall that, upon arrival, Gillis said he wasn’t sure whether Daniel and Henrik Sedin were first-line players, and he asserted that the Canucks were “not close” to being Stanley Cup contenders.
On the other hand, Benning expressed optimism, which some might say was unfounded, that the Canucks can get back to their heydays with the same core – while also saying that the club would ask a veteran to waive his no-trade clause, if management feels that’s necessary.
“I believe in our core players,” Benning said. “They're high-character people … We are going to try and help them out by having more depth on our roster and playing four lines. We need to hire the right coach. That will be an important decision for us going forward.
"Some of the players, for whatever reason, just didn't have a good season last year. It's a good team, it's a talented team, and I feel confident that these guys are going to have a good year next year."
Obviously, Benning is aware that his first major decision – the hiring of a new coach – will be pivotal to take the Canucks “back in the right direction.” In Tortorella’s one and only season with the Canucks, he was, at times, comical, ludicrous, sad and baffling.
For details, see his pre-season comments about reporters with cell phones and players’ use of Twitter; his effort to “get” Calgary Flames coach Bob Hartley by storming their dressing room; the Canucks’ losing streaks; injuries to the Sedins and others; and the decision not to call a timeout while the New York Islanders were overcoming a 3-0 third-period lead en route to a miraculous one-sided comeback win. Also, check out Tortorella’s decision to bench former top goaltender Roberto Luongo for the Heritage Classic; and Vancouver’s absence from the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2008.
Don’t expect the next Canucks coach to be as volatile or enigmatic.
“We want a coach that is firm, but fair, that has good communication skills so he can relate to the players,” said Benning. “We want a coach that is going to play a structured style of game when we don't have the puck, but give the players the freedom to skate and create when they do have the puck.”
You can expect no gong shows like the ones that occurred and longer practices than the short ones that Tortorella preferred. (Those sniffles you hear are from media types who had plenty of good quotes and story material.) The club’s style, which was often in question under Tortorella, should be more distinct under Benning and the new coach.
“We want to become a four-line team,” Benning said. “You watch the playoffs, the final four teams that are playing, they have four lines that contribute. We want our third and fourth lines to have a role in the team winning.
“We have some work to do there in getting to that point, but we want to be a four-line, (six-defencemen), complete team.”
He pledged to have third and fourth lines that have more physicality and grit, and can keep the puck in the offensive zone for a while and “take the heat off” the top two lines.
“We need to get back to what we're good at,” Benning said. “This organization needs to play an up-tempo, fast-skating, skilled game. Before last season this team had almost an attitude about them, a relentless attitude to skate and to wear teams down and to score. For whatever reason that didn't happen last year, but I am hoping with (Linden) we hire the right coach for this group and we can recapture that going forward.”
Whether Benning can get what he wants from within or outside the organization remains to be seen. This summer’s NHL draft, in which Vancouver has the sixth overall selection as its first pick, will also be crucial to the Canucks’ turnaround hopes. It could determine how long the process will take, pending the players chosen and trades that send draft choices the other way.
Benning’s skills as a scout should come in handy here.
After completing his playing career, the former Toronto Maple Leafs and Canucks defenceman went to work as a scout, initially on a part-time basis, with the Buffalo Sabres, where he spent 12 years. He rose to the post of director of amateur scouting with the Sabres and then moved on to the Boston Bruins for eight seasons and served as director of player personnel and assistant general manager.
He has worn a heavy coat and sipped hot beverages from on high in many frigid rinks. But, to his credit, he did not slag Vancouver’s beleaguered scouting crew. Head scout Ron Delorme and his cohorts have come under criticism after only one Gillis draft choice became an NHL regular. Ironically, Cody Hodgson was the former GM’s first-ever draft pick, but he now plays for Buffalo as a result of a trade that has worked heavily in the Sabres’ favour thus far.
Generally, Vancouver has had a poor draft record throughout its NHL existence. But there are some notable exceptions, including Linden, Pavel Bure and the Sedins. And, if you look closely, you will see that the bulk of the Canucks’ core was mined from the draft after being scouted by current top bird dogs.
What people tend to forget: Many teams have the same players on their lists and get access to other lists provided by NHL Central Scouting. At any rate, most scouts know who the best teenage players are and where – in the world – to find them. The challenge is to recognize other factors – namely, heart, desire, mental toughness and personal issues – and being able to forecast what most players will be like when they are supposedly ready for the NHL in about four years. The latter duty falls largely to senior management. Scouts are like waiters who serve appetizers during cocktail hour. However, with every team, the GM or, in today’s new front-office model, the GM and the president of hockey operations, investigate what is really underneath the top layer and then do the picking or the passing.
It has become increasingly evident that Gillis, Delorme and other scouts were not on the same wavelength at draft time and on many other occasions. How else do you explain the decision to draft under-sized centre Jordan Schroeder with the club’s first selection, ahead of David Perron, in 2010? Schroeder appears in danger of being let go as a restricted free agent this summer, although it should be noted that he has battled several injuries. How else do you explain other picks that have languished in the minors and not even been signed? How else do you explain the little heed paid to players from the Western Hockey League, which produces some of the league’s top players annually? These WHL players don’t just come from Canada. They also hail from the U.S. and Europe, because youngsters want to play in one of the top junior leagues in the world. What about several trades that did not work out or go as expected?
See Luongo and Schneider, Cory. Position: Goaltender.
In these matters, it was Gillis who had the final say.
To his credit, Benning did not slam Vancouver’s scouts, pledging to work with them instead.
“I come from a scouting background,” said Benning, who was drafted sixth overall by Toronto in 1981 after starring for the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL and went on to play 10 NHL seasons before concluding his career in the minors. “We are going to give these (scouts) direction. I'm going to communicate what we want, what we think a Vancouver Canuck player should be. And I'm going to work with them. I am going to get out and see games. I'm going to be part of that group and I am going to try and make that group better.”
The feeling here is that Benning’s cause will be aided if he also listens to his scouts and makes draft picks and trades based on their assessments and recommendations instead of ignoring their observations and advice. Considering that Benning used to make the recommendations and helped the Bruins make some excellent selections en route to their 2011 Stanley Cup victory, chances are that he will listen.
Again to his credit, Benning pledged to work with the management team that includes assistant general manager and salary cap specialist Laurence Gilman, who was passed for the GM’s post, and fellow assistant GM Lorne Henning and franchise icon Stan Smyl, who has the title of senior advisor to the general manager but should be called Canuck for life. Benning equated the management team to players in the dressing room who will work together and support each other.
The new GM stressed that he is not going to come in and make changes until he makes proper assessments. There was no mention of a sleep doctor or using “science” (a Gillis hallmark) to better the team, and analytics only came up briefly. In Benning’s view, they help when evaluating veteran NHLers, but not with amateurs who are still developing.
In other words, Benning is going to rebuild the Canucks in a methodical manner, largely on effort. He won’t blow up the building and start over. It remains to be seen whether that approach will appease Canuck fans, because there is considerable work to be done before the season starts. He has a coach to hire and the NHL scouting combine, draft, trades and contract matters to sort out. Not necessarily in that order.
However, if Benning’s first day on the job was any indication, he will give Canuck Nation reason to start believing in him – and his abilities – in the near future.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Tortorella calls for Canucks to improve on their lack of depth
It’s time for the Vancouver Canucks to stop dwelling on their 2011 Stanley Cup finals appearance and start retooling for the future, says coach John Tortorella.
“This is a group that’s been together for a long time,” he said Monday, a day after the Canucks’ 2013-14 season ended. “It’s stale. It needs youth. It needs a change – it needs a change – and I felt that from day one.
“We’re not in 2011. We have to stop talking about 2011. The team needs to be retooled, and that’s where change is. It is a young man’s game. It’s certainly not a criticism of them. We need to surround them with some enthusiasm.”
But he also called for changes to “some of the team’s core” as part of the “evolution” that’s necessary. He does not want to see massive changes, but noted "there is a heartbeat of a team, and it needs to be surrounded.”
Tortorella made his comments less than 24 hours after the Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008, knowing that he might not be around next season. In other words, even with his job on the line, nobody could accuse him of trying to be politically correct.
And, he wasn’t about to try to spin things as he prepares to discuss his future with new team president Trevor Linden.
“I don’t coach to keep my job,” said Tortorella. “I’m not going to go into any meeting trying to save my job. I just don’t do it that way. I am going to tell him what I think. Trevor is very efficient and, from what I understand, he is on top of everything as far as the interviews and what he’s doing. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. I loved him as a player and, (in) just a short time I’ve seen him here, you’re in good hands. The team is in good hands. But I’m not going to be rehearsed.”
The Canucks finished 12th in the Western Conference with a 36-35-11 record for 83 points. Only the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers finished behind them in the conference. The Winnipeg Jets, who fired their coach in mid-season, finished with one more point than Vancouver.
Tortorella said his biggest regret was not staying on top of his team to keep it playing well after a strong first half. But he contended that he did not know how his six-game suspension for storming the Calgary Flames dressing room area Jan. 18 affected his team, which battled numerous injuries that he and players contend forced it to play a different way, which they have described as less aggressive, more conservative and defensive-oriented.
But in addition to the injuries and inconsistency, Tortorella pointed to an obvious fact that was at the root of their woes: A lack of depth. While he has come under criticism for over-playing Daniel and Henrik Sedin at times, Tortorella said that when the outcome of a 2-1 game was on the line with six or seven minutes to go, he did not feel comfortable putting out other players.
“I did the things I needed to do to try to win games, because sometimes I looked down (the bench) and guys just weren’t ready, some other guys in our lineup” he said. “We lack depth, and that’s where we’re at. That isn’t being critical. It’s the truth.”
Well, it’s also an indictment of former general manager Mike Gillis’ poor drafting and trade records. The recently fired GM’s legacy will likely be botched trades involving goaltenders Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider, whose deals did not appear to bring back suitable asset returns. But Tortorella was not pointing a finger at him intentionally.
Tortorella also contended that, contrary to public perception, he gets along well with centre Ryan Kesler, whose future with the team is uncertain, although the Livonia, Mich., native said Monday that he never asked for a trade and hopes to stay.
“Kes and I have a tremendous relationship,” said Tortorella. “You guys think we hate one another (and) we don’t speak, but we have a tremendous relationship. We have a very honest relationship. I think he has stood in there and played hard every night.”
Kesler led the team in goals with 25 after a turnaround season following two seasons derailed by injuries. But Tortorella criticized himself for not getting through to defenceman Alex Edler, who is clearly Vancouver’s most gifted rearguard but finished minus-39.
(One of these years, a coach might realize that he just needs to let Edler play his game and not let him over-think it, which he admitted Monday that he does. But that realization might not come in Vancouver, if Edler agrees to waive a no-trade clause and gets moved.)
Kesler lamented the loss of what he thought would be a good season after former coach Alain Vigneault was fired last summer and all players felt they had something to prove after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year.
“We’re all flabbergasted right now that we’re sitting up here talking about the year that we just had. Going into this year, I would never think that we’d be sitting here in this situation,” said Kesler.
He agreed with Daniel Sedin’s contention that players, not the team’s system, were to blame for the club’s woes.
“It’s not like Torts is in there telling us not to play offence,” said Kesler. ‘He wants us to score. He wants us to produce.”
Added defenceman Kevin Bieksa: “Having a coach let go last year and a GM a (week) ago, it’s not a good feeling right now, especially (for) the four guys up here,” said Bieksa. “We feel responsible for it. The bottom line is, we win more games and guys don’t lose their jobs.”
With Gillis fired and Tortorella’s job anything but certain, players know that they are next in line to face the team’s revolving door.
“With Torts’ future in question, it’s a tough time for everybody,” said Bieksa. “We’ll see what decisions are made. But, right now, we look at ourselves first and foremost … and think: We could have been better. We should have been better. There are people that are suffering because of it.”
Notes_Daniel Sedin, who left Sunday’s season finale on a stretcher after Paul Byron sent him into the boards head-first, said he did not suffer a concussion or any other serious injuries. He was placed on the stretcher for “precautionary reasons” only. … Vancouver winger Alex Burrows will play for Canada in the upcoming world championships. … Edler does not plan to play for Sweden at the worlds. Lack said he is willing, but has not yet heard from Team Sweden.
“This is a group that’s been together for a long time,” he said Monday, a day after the Canucks’ 2013-14 season ended. “It’s stale. It needs youth. It needs a change – it needs a change – and I felt that from day one.
“We’re not in 2011. We have to stop talking about 2011. The team needs to be retooled, and that’s where change is. It is a young man’s game. It’s certainly not a criticism of them. We need to surround them with some enthusiasm.”
But he also called for changes to “some of the team’s core” as part of the “evolution” that’s necessary. He does not want to see massive changes, but noted "there is a heartbeat of a team, and it needs to be surrounded.”
Tortorella made his comments less than 24 hours after the Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008, knowing that he might not be around next season. In other words, even with his job on the line, nobody could accuse him of trying to be politically correct.
And, he wasn’t about to try to spin things as he prepares to discuss his future with new team president Trevor Linden.
“I don’t coach to keep my job,” said Tortorella. “I’m not going to go into any meeting trying to save my job. I just don’t do it that way. I am going to tell him what I think. Trevor is very efficient and, from what I understand, he is on top of everything as far as the interviews and what he’s doing. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. I loved him as a player and, (in) just a short time I’ve seen him here, you’re in good hands. The team is in good hands. But I’m not going to be rehearsed.”
The Canucks finished 12th in the Western Conference with a 36-35-11 record for 83 points. Only the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers finished behind them in the conference. The Winnipeg Jets, who fired their coach in mid-season, finished with one more point than Vancouver.
Tortorella said his biggest regret was not staying on top of his team to keep it playing well after a strong first half. But he contended that he did not know how his six-game suspension for storming the Calgary Flames dressing room area Jan. 18 affected his team, which battled numerous injuries that he and players contend forced it to play a different way, which they have described as less aggressive, more conservative and defensive-oriented.
But in addition to the injuries and inconsistency, Tortorella pointed to an obvious fact that was at the root of their woes: A lack of depth. While he has come under criticism for over-playing Daniel and Henrik Sedin at times, Tortorella said that when the outcome of a 2-1 game was on the line with six or seven minutes to go, he did not feel comfortable putting out other players.
“I did the things I needed to do to try to win games, because sometimes I looked down (the bench) and guys just weren’t ready, some other guys in our lineup” he said. “We lack depth, and that’s where we’re at. That isn’t being critical. It’s the truth.”
Well, it’s also an indictment of former general manager Mike Gillis’ poor drafting and trade records. The recently fired GM’s legacy will likely be botched trades involving goaltenders Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider, whose deals did not appear to bring back suitable asset returns. But Tortorella was not pointing a finger at him intentionally.
Tortorella also contended that, contrary to public perception, he gets along well with centre Ryan Kesler, whose future with the team is uncertain, although the Livonia, Mich., native said Monday that he never asked for a trade and hopes to stay.
“Kes and I have a tremendous relationship,” said Tortorella. “You guys think we hate one another (and) we don’t speak, but we have a tremendous relationship. We have a very honest relationship. I think he has stood in there and played hard every night.”
Kesler led the team in goals with 25 after a turnaround season following two seasons derailed by injuries. But Tortorella criticized himself for not getting through to defenceman Alex Edler, who is clearly Vancouver’s most gifted rearguard but finished minus-39.
(One of these years, a coach might realize that he just needs to let Edler play his game and not let him over-think it, which he admitted Monday that he does. But that realization might not come in Vancouver, if Edler agrees to waive a no-trade clause and gets moved.)
Kesler lamented the loss of what he thought would be a good season after former coach Alain Vigneault was fired last summer and all players felt they had something to prove after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year.
“We’re all flabbergasted right now that we’re sitting up here talking about the year that we just had. Going into this year, I would never think that we’d be sitting here in this situation,” said Kesler.
He agreed with Daniel Sedin’s contention that players, not the team’s system, were to blame for the club’s woes.
“It’s not like Torts is in there telling us not to play offence,” said Kesler. ‘He wants us to score. He wants us to produce.”
Added defenceman Kevin Bieksa: “Having a coach let go last year and a GM a (week) ago, it’s not a good feeling right now, especially (for) the four guys up here,” said Bieksa. “We feel responsible for it. The bottom line is, we win more games and guys don’t lose their jobs.”
With Gillis fired and Tortorella’s job anything but certain, players know that they are next in line to face the team’s revolving door.
“With Torts’ future in question, it’s a tough time for everybody,” said Bieksa. “We’ll see what decisions are made. But, right now, we look at ourselves first and foremost … and think: We could have been better. We should have been better. There are people that are suffering because of it.”
Notes_Daniel Sedin, who left Sunday’s season finale on a stretcher after Paul Byron sent him into the boards head-first, said he did not suffer a concussion or any other serious injuries. He was placed on the stretcher for “precautionary reasons” only. … Vancouver winger Alex Burrows will play for Canada in the upcoming world championships. … Edler does not plan to play for Sweden at the worlds. Lack said he is willing, but has not yet heard from Team Sweden.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Linden's hiring more than just a good PR move
Trevor Linden was discussing his personal situation, but he might as well have been talking about how most Vancouver Canuck fans felt.
“It just felt right,” he said Wednesday of his decision to become the NHL team’s new president of hockey operations.
Linden was quickly appointed to replace fired president and general manager Mike Gillis. The Medicine Hat, Alta., native returns to the organization with which he spent most of his 19-year NHL playing career in two stints.
Compared to previous news conferences involving Vancouver’s former top hockey executive, the change in mood was palpable in a packed room where a morning news conference was held. Prior to the announcement of Linden’s appointment earlier in the morning, owner Francesco Aquilini had been scheduled to appear and was expected to discuss his reasons for dismissing Gillis. Instead, Aquilini, after being decisive and quickly acting to end a bad situation, got to talk about hope for a better future with a fan favourite at the helm.
Linden quickly apologized for telling a TV interviewer the previous morning that he had not been approached by the Canucks about replacing Gillis – when clearly he had. But at the time of the interview, the former GM’s firing had not been announced and, as Linden said, out of respect for the process and the Gillis family, he did not reveal what was happening.
Linden acknowledged his apology to the TV interviewer, and his candidness about a mistake was something that was rarely, if ever, seen during the six-year Gillis era. For a pleasant change, pomposity was not oozing from Vancouver’s top hockey executive.
Gillis’ aloofness was something that had clearly alienated casual fans and season-ticket holders. And, it was no coincidence that Linden’s hiring was announced on a previously-scheduled deadline for season-ticket renewals. Nor was it a coincidence that Aquilini said the deadline has been extended in wake of Linden’s hiring.
As the owner indicated, Linden is “back where he belongs.” Although Linden felt a need to get away from hockey after his retirement as a player in 2008, it was strange for him not to be part of the Canucks team that he led to the 1994 Stanley Cup finals and helped prepare for the 2011 finals following his return after stints with the New York Islanders, Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens.
But it was evident that he would not return and work with Gillis, with whom he had clashed in his role as president of the NHL Players Association in the 2004-05 lockout that scrapped an entire season. Linden did not always get along with former coach Alain Vigneault, either, at a time when his playing skills were diminishing and the coach wanted more.
“I always believed that, once again, I’d work in this great game, a game that I’ve loved and felt it was such a privilege to be a part of ,” said Linden. “I wasn’t sure when or in what capacity, but it always remained a goal of mine.
"When this opportunity to be president of hockey operations was presented to me, I gave it great thought and I simply could not pass it up. "Through my 20 years as a player, 15 years with the NHLPA and my more recent work in growing and leading a private business, I believe I'm ready for this challenge. I'm young, I'm passionate about this team, and I want to win, just like the Canuck fans do.”
Another brief line could also prove highly insightful.
"I believe in this team and this organization,” said Linden, indicating that he will not make drastic changes to the team’s veteran core of players.
In other words, he is not going to blow up a roster that, the past three seasons aside, has enjoyed considerable success, and it appears that he will not make drastic adjustments to the hockey operations department. Gillis drafted only one player that became an NHL regular – Cody Hodgson, now with Buffalo, and made many unsuccessful trades and free-agent signings, but most of the scouts and executives – many of whom are former Canuck players – were in place when previous regimes led by Pat Quinn, Brian Burke and Dave Nonis made successful trades and free-agent signings. (Historically, Vancouver has been mainly terrible at the draft table, although the second-overall choice of Linden in 1988 was an exception.)
Following a model that the rival Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, among others, have adopted, Linden will supervise, and work with, a new GM.
“We will do a general manager search from within and from outside of our organization,” he said.
Linden hopes to hire a new GM by mid-June, pending any permissions that he might need to get to speak with employees of other teams. He plans to use the final games of the regular season to evaluate much-maligned coach John Tortorella and his coaching staff.
Aquilini has come under criticism for his perceived influence in the hiring of Tortorella, who failed to get the team to the playoffs. But the owner contended Wednesday that Gillis was responsible for hiring Tortorella and the ownership group endorsed his decision.
Aquilini indicated that Linden has the final say on hockey-related matters while chief operating officer Victor de Bonis will continue to run the team’s business side – which he does extremely effectively. These comments indicate a distinct separation from the hockey operations and business sides whereas Gillis previously held the position of team president and often tried to pass himself off as a top corporate executive.
“Trevor will make all of the decisions on hockey-related personnel – coaches, players, and free agents, whatever is (needed),” said Aquilini. “Trevor will be in charge of hockey operations and will make all the decisions.”
“I’ve had great conversations with Francesco and with (the Aqulini) family, and they’ve given me full control to make the right decisions and full autonomy,” said Linden. “Obviously, in any sports organization situation, a good relationship with ownership is important, and I intend to spend a lot of time working with them and help them fully understand the decisions we make and why.”
Linden, 43, has made Vancouver his home since he was drafted by the Canucks as an 18-year-old. He has been involved in private business, boosting the fortunes of an eyewear company, real estate development firm and fitness chain that bears his name. But he had always hoped to get back into hockey – and never really wanted to work with another team than the Canucks.
"You don't spend 20 years in the National Hockey League and spend your whole life in hockey and not have it in your DNA," he said.
This was the right time to get back in the game, he added. Now, he must prove that his hiring is more than a good public-relations move – and he can make a difference.
But his playing success, his name recognition and his relationships with many people in the NHL bode well for him – and the Canucks – in the future. As he has indicated during his playing career, it is never wise to underestimate him.
Yes, his hiring is a good – and welcome – PR move, but chances are that he will be much more than just a friendly face for the organization.
“It just felt right,” he said Wednesday of his decision to become the NHL team’s new president of hockey operations.
Linden was quickly appointed to replace fired president and general manager Mike Gillis. The Medicine Hat, Alta., native returns to the organization with which he spent most of his 19-year NHL playing career in two stints.
Compared to previous news conferences involving Vancouver’s former top hockey executive, the change in mood was palpable in a packed room where a morning news conference was held. Prior to the announcement of Linden’s appointment earlier in the morning, owner Francesco Aquilini had been scheduled to appear and was expected to discuss his reasons for dismissing Gillis. Instead, Aquilini, after being decisive and quickly acting to end a bad situation, got to talk about hope for a better future with a fan favourite at the helm.
Linden quickly apologized for telling a TV interviewer the previous morning that he had not been approached by the Canucks about replacing Gillis – when clearly he had. But at the time of the interview, the former GM’s firing had not been announced and, as Linden said, out of respect for the process and the Gillis family, he did not reveal what was happening.
Linden acknowledged his apology to the TV interviewer, and his candidness about a mistake was something that was rarely, if ever, seen during the six-year Gillis era. For a pleasant change, pomposity was not oozing from Vancouver’s top hockey executive.
Gillis’ aloofness was something that had clearly alienated casual fans and season-ticket holders. And, it was no coincidence that Linden’s hiring was announced on a previously-scheduled deadline for season-ticket renewals. Nor was it a coincidence that Aquilini said the deadline has been extended in wake of Linden’s hiring.
As the owner indicated, Linden is “back where he belongs.” Although Linden felt a need to get away from hockey after his retirement as a player in 2008, it was strange for him not to be part of the Canucks team that he led to the 1994 Stanley Cup finals and helped prepare for the 2011 finals following his return after stints with the New York Islanders, Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens.
But it was evident that he would not return and work with Gillis, with whom he had clashed in his role as president of the NHL Players Association in the 2004-05 lockout that scrapped an entire season. Linden did not always get along with former coach Alain Vigneault, either, at a time when his playing skills were diminishing and the coach wanted more.
“I always believed that, once again, I’d work in this great game, a game that I’ve loved and felt it was such a privilege to be a part of ,” said Linden. “I wasn’t sure when or in what capacity, but it always remained a goal of mine.
"When this opportunity to be president of hockey operations was presented to me, I gave it great thought and I simply could not pass it up. "Through my 20 years as a player, 15 years with the NHLPA and my more recent work in growing and leading a private business, I believe I'm ready for this challenge. I'm young, I'm passionate about this team, and I want to win, just like the Canuck fans do.”
Another brief line could also prove highly insightful.
"I believe in this team and this organization,” said Linden, indicating that he will not make drastic changes to the team’s veteran core of players.
In other words, he is not going to blow up a roster that, the past three seasons aside, has enjoyed considerable success, and it appears that he will not make drastic adjustments to the hockey operations department. Gillis drafted only one player that became an NHL regular – Cody Hodgson, now with Buffalo, and made many unsuccessful trades and free-agent signings, but most of the scouts and executives – many of whom are former Canuck players – were in place when previous regimes led by Pat Quinn, Brian Burke and Dave Nonis made successful trades and free-agent signings. (Historically, Vancouver has been mainly terrible at the draft table, although the second-overall choice of Linden in 1988 was an exception.)
Following a model that the rival Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, among others, have adopted, Linden will supervise, and work with, a new GM.
“We will do a general manager search from within and from outside of our organization,” he said.
Linden hopes to hire a new GM by mid-June, pending any permissions that he might need to get to speak with employees of other teams. He plans to use the final games of the regular season to evaluate much-maligned coach John Tortorella and his coaching staff.
Aquilini has come under criticism for his perceived influence in the hiring of Tortorella, who failed to get the team to the playoffs. But the owner contended Wednesday that Gillis was responsible for hiring Tortorella and the ownership group endorsed his decision.
Aquilini indicated that Linden has the final say on hockey-related matters while chief operating officer Victor de Bonis will continue to run the team’s business side – which he does extremely effectively. These comments indicate a distinct separation from the hockey operations and business sides whereas Gillis previously held the position of team president and often tried to pass himself off as a top corporate executive.
“Trevor will make all of the decisions on hockey-related personnel – coaches, players, and free agents, whatever is (needed),” said Aquilini. “Trevor will be in charge of hockey operations and will make all the decisions.”
“I’ve had great conversations with Francesco and with (the Aqulini) family, and they’ve given me full control to make the right decisions and full autonomy,” said Linden. “Obviously, in any sports organization situation, a good relationship with ownership is important, and I intend to spend a lot of time working with them and help them fully understand the decisions we make and why.”
Linden, 43, has made Vancouver his home since he was drafted by the Canucks as an 18-year-old. He has been involved in private business, boosting the fortunes of an eyewear company, real estate development firm and fitness chain that bears his name. But he had always hoped to get back into hockey – and never really wanted to work with another team than the Canucks.
"You don't spend 20 years in the National Hockey League and spend your whole life in hockey and not have it in your DNA," he said.
This was the right time to get back in the game, he added. Now, he must prove that his hiring is more than a good public-relations move – and he can make a difference.
But his playing success, his name recognition and his relationships with many people in the NHL bode well for him – and the Canucks – in the future. As he has indicated during his playing career, it is never wise to underestimate him.
Yes, his hiring is a good – and welcome – PR move, but chances are that he will be much more than just a friendly face for the organization.
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