After 19 years in the National Hockey League, Captain Canuck is calling it quits.
Linden, the Canucks’ first-round pick (second overall) in the 1988 entry draft, is expected to announce his retirement at a press conference today, according to media reports.
Linden spent 15 years with the Canucks and leads the team in games played (1140) and assists (415). His 318 goals and 733 points are second to only captain Markus Naslund.
The 38-year-old, who became team captain in his second season, led the team to within one-game of the Stanley Cup in 1994, losing to the New York Rangers in seven games.
In 1998, Linden was traded to the New York Islanders for Todd Bertuzzi, Bryan McCabe and a draft pick (Jarkko Ruutu).
He returned to Vancouver in 2001 after stints in Long Island, Montreal and Washington.
In addition to his efforts on the ice, Linden is well known for his charitable work in the community, primarily with children.
He was also elected president of the NHL Player’s Association in 1998 and was part of the negotiations that led to a lockout and the cancellation of the 2004-05 season.
