Trevor Linden: Leaving Behind a Big Legacy

June 11, 2008 is a date that Vancouver Canuck fans won't soon forget. That day was when one of the all-time greatest Canuck players, Trevor Linden, retired after 19 glorious NHL seasons. 

Trevor Linden's impact with the Canucks and the city of Vancouver was one of the most significant in a long, long time. 

At a very young age it was clear that Linden was a very special player and a very special person who was going to be around for a very long time.  In 1986, at the tender age of 16, Trevor Linden was already a full-time player for his hometown team the Medicine Hat Tigers. In that season, he got a reputation that would stay with him his entire career. It was his knack of stepping it up in the big games. 

That year, he had nine points in 20 playoff games and two goals in the title game helping the Tigers win their first Memorial Cup. He then captained the team to a second title the following year. 

That offseason, he was drafted second overall with the Canucks and thus began the love affair Vancouver would have with they're now favorite son, Trevor Linden. 

At the age of 18, Linden was already a part of the Canucks, scoring 30 goals tied for first on the team and third in points with 59.  He was the runner up to Brian Leetch that year for rookie of the year.  His impact continued to inspire the Canucks as in the '88-'89 season the Canucks made the playoffs for the first time in three years. 

At age 21, he was already the sole captain of the team.  In 1994 he led the Canucks to their most memorable season in history leading Vancouver to an improbable Western conference championship and a seven game series against the New York Rangers for the cup. 

That year the Canucks finished the season 10 points back of the top team in the conference but defied the odds in the playoffs. First coming back three games to one against the Flames, winning three straight in overtime, then defeating the Stars and Leafs to make the Stanley Cup finals for only the second time in club history. 

Linden scored a total of 12 goals in 25 games during that memorable playoff run.  He scored two goals in Game Seven as the Canucks lost 3-2, coming within a crossbar of tying the game late. 

While Linden's career had many memorable moments that season may be the most memorable of all for him and all Canuck fans.  Four years later came some dark days in his life as Mike Keenan inexplicably traded Linden to the New York Islanders in exchange for Bryan Mcabe and Todd Bertuzzi. 

He would have brief stints in Montreal and Washington before Brian Burke, in 2001, stepped in and brought Linden back where he belongs, in a Canuck sweater. 

Trevor Linden leaves the Canucks the all-time leader in games played (1140), assists (415) and second in goals (318). But perhaps the thing he will always be remembered for is his stats in the post season with 34 goals 61 assists for 95 points total in only 118 games, which is another club record. He also holds the current record for most goals in Game Seven history. 

In addition to his tireless work on the ice, Linden has contributed to many charities such as Canuck place, BC Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House of BC, Canadian Cancer Society and many more charities across the country and the greater Vancouver area. 

Perhaps it was only fitting that in Linden's final game of his career, he was chosen as the game's first star and given several ovations before the game was over. Even the entire Flames team went to shake his hand after that game. 

"The career he's had, a lot of us watched him when we were younger, and the runs he's had when he first broke in. He's played for so long, and also playing against him, he's a guy that plays hard all the time. He’s a leader. He's a guy that's a good, honest, hard player to play against."

"He’s not cheap. We have a lot of respect also for what he's done for us off the ice as a group of players. I'm not sure if it's his last for sure, but if it is, it definitely was an honor to play with him," said Jarome Iginla. 

That was the way it ought to be though as Linden leaves the game incredibly respected and loved by his peers as well as his bitter rivals. You couldn't help but love Trevor Linden whether you were with him or on the opposite team.  His contributions to his team and as NHLPA president were unrivaled and unparalleled. 

Linden leaves the game beloved and adored and a man who will never be forgotten.