Vancouver Canucks fans won't have to wait very long to figure out the direction of the team.
Just a day after firing President and General Manager Mike Gillis, the team is expected to hand over the presidency to fan favourite Trevor Linden.
Sports business commentator Tom Mayenknecht said the timing of Gillis’ departure is no coincidence, but has less to do with Monday’s game and everything to do with the season ticket renewal deadline today.
“Some kind of message had to come from the franchise to get a lot of season ticket holders over the hump,” Mayenknecht said. “The business of NHL hockey is built around the business of selling season tickets.”
Since the announcement, rumours have circulated about Gillis’ replacement, with much speculation pointing to Linden, but now the rumours are a lot closer to fact.
Number 16 is arguably the most popular Canuck in the franchise’s history, and has played coy in the past when asked about a potential return to hockey.
Mayenknecht said the next president has to inspire hope and confidence, something Linden could potentially deliver in spades.
“In the case of Trevor Linden, Markus Naslund, it does remind people of those great days, especially the 1994 Stanley Cup run,” he said.
“On all these rumours, all I can say is where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
Owner Francesco Aquilini has scheduled a press conference for this morning and it will be carried live on our website.
