Trevor Linden has been named president of hockey operations for the Vancouver Canucks, the team announced Wednesday.
The move comes a day after the Canucks fired president and general manager Mike Gillis. Vancouver is 35-33-11 this season and will miss the playoffs.
Linden played 16 seasons for Vancouver, including seven as team captain.
"Today is a real honor," he said in a statement released by the team. "I came to Vancouver 26 years ago and I have never left. I love this city. It is my home and the Canucks have always been part of my family.
"I'm passionate about the Canucks and I want to win -- just like our fans. I believe in this team and share the organization's commitment to excellence on and off of the ice. I am looking forward to getting started -- getting to know everyone in the organization, and working together to win the Stanley Cup for this great city and Province."
Linden also served as president of the NHL Players' Association from 1998 to 2006.
"It's my honor to officially welcome Trevor Linden home in his new role as president of hockey operations for the Canucks," Canucks Sports & Entertainment chairman Francesco Aquilini said in the statement. "We believe in Trevor's leadership abilities. His 20 years of NHL experience including seven as team captain, his role as NHLPA president, community leader and businessman offers a very special skill set; one that will positively shape the direction of this club in the future."
