Vancouver Canucks forward Trevor Linden made it official Wednesday saying the time is right to retire after 21 seasons in the NHL, all but three with the Canucks.
"I know the time is right. But there is sadness. Where did 20 years go,'' Linden told a news conference at GM Place.
The 38-year-old player has been an ambassador not only for the Canucks and the game of hockey, but also for the city of Vancouver.
On Wednesday, Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan said his next career could be in municipal politics.
"If he is looking for a new job, there is an election coming up,'' he said.
The Canucks selected Linden second overall in the 1988 and he would go on to play 16 seasons in Vancouver. He helped the Canucks reach Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup final.
In 1,382 games Linden scored 375 goals, added 492 assists and collected 867 penalty minutes.
In 59 games last season he had seven goals and five assists.
Off the ice, Linden remained one of the most popular Canucks and was involved in local charities.
