Mike Gillis has been fired as the president and GM of the Vancouver Canucks.
In a release posted on their site, Canucks Sports & Entertainment announced their decision:
“On behalf of my entire family, I would like to sincerely thank Mike Gillis for his hard work and the many contributions he made on and off the ice during his tenure,” said Francesco Aquilini, Chairman, Canucks Sports & Entertainment. “The Vancouver Canucks had success under Mike’s leadership, and we nearly reached our ultimate goal; but I believe we have reached a point where a change in leadership and new voice is needed.”
“I also want to thank our fans for their support for the Vancouver Canucks through a difficult and frustrating season,” continued Aquilini. “We haven’t met their expectations or ours. We are committed to bringing the Stanley Cup to Vancouver for our fans and we will continue to do everything possible to reach that goal.”
However, Gillis will collect eight million dollars as a result of this move – the remainder owed on his contract.
The Canucks were officially knocked out of the playoffs on Monday night when they lost 3-0 to the Anaheim Ducks.
Rumours started swirling on Tuesday morning that Trevor Linden has been approached with an offer to be a part of the Canucks’ organization, however when Linden appeared on the Morning News he squashed those rumours.
“When teams struggle, there is lots of speculation. I have been rumoured to be doing a lot of things,” said Linden on Global BC this morning.
Linden says he is enjoying running his business at the moment, but does not exclude any possibilities.
“I have always said that if the opportunity is right and time is right, I’d have to seriously consider it,” he said.
Aquilini will speak to the media on Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m.
Reaction to the news Mike Gillis has been fired:
Vancouver Canucks general manager and president Mike Gillis has been let go by the team management this afternoon. The reaction from fans and hockey lovers followed.
http://storify.com/globalbc/mike-gillis-has-been-let-go
Video: Why Mike Gillis was fired
Tune into BC1 tomorrow at 10 a.m. and globalnews.ca/bc for live coverage of tomorrow’s announcement by Francesco Aquilini.
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