The man known as Captain Canuck played for the Vancouver Canucks for 16 seasons, including seven as captain. The Vancouver Canucks have released a list of facts about Linden’s impressive years on the team:
• Originally selected by Vancouver second overall in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft.
• Was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team, was a finalist for Calder Trophy and was named The Hockey News Rookie-of-the-Year following the 1988.89 season.
• Played for Vancouver 1988.89-1997.98 and 2001.02-2007.08.
• Recorded 30 or more goals in six of his first eight seasons in the NHL.
• Completed his NHL career ranking 38th in games played (1382), tied for 107th in goals scored (375) and ranks 111th in points (867) scored in NHL history.
• Holds Canucks playoff records for most games played (118), goals (34), assists (61) and points (95).
• Was the third longest tenured Canucks captain (behind Stan Smyl and Markus Naslund), wearing the ‘C’ from 1990.91-1996.97.
• Appeared in two all-star games (1990.91 and 1991.92)
• Represented Canada at the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, 1998 World Championships, 1996 World Cup of Hockey (silver), 1991 World Championships (silver) and 1988 World Junior Championships (gold).
• Elected as President of the NHLPA in 1998, serving in that capacity until 2006.
• In 1997, received the King Clancy Award which is given annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution in his community.
• In 2008, received the NHL Foundation Player Award awarded annually to the NHL player "who applies the core values of hockey – commitment, perseverance and teamwork – to enrich the lives of people in his community"
• At his retirement, ranked first in games played (1,140) and assists (415) and second in goals (318) and points (733) in franchise history.
• Retired as a Canuck on the 20th anniversary of his draft day, June 11, 2008.
• Appointed to Order of Canada in 2010.
