Aquilini elects to extend Linden amidst criticism
June 6th, 2017 -
Despite rumours swirling that they were interviewing for his replacement, it seems that Canucks ownership has given Trevor Linden two more years at the helm. After a disastrous season even loyal fans were calling for fan favourite Linden to be removed as the GM and Aquilini's patience has worn very thin. If the next two years don't see a significant change it is unlikely Linden even finishes the two year extension he just signed.
Analysts are more impressed than the fan base or ownership with Linden's moves so far, pointing to his accumulation of prospects and younger players to prepare for the inevitable changing of the guard when Sedins retire and also to some clever signings (see Filatov, Nikita) and solid trades (adding a first for Bonino and turning offseason signing Paul Martin into Tyler Bertuzzi, not to mention that Svechnikov looks like a blossoming talent in his limited NHL time after being acquired for Kris Russell). A critical draft and offseason is upcoming however, and no matter how well he prepares for the future Linden will absolutely need to field a competitive roster next year to quell the cries for his head from an impatient fan base and ownership.