ABOVE: Squire Barnes sits down with Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini to talk about the 2013-2014 season, and why Trevor Linden is a perfect fit for the team.
In his first interview after announcing the hiring of Trevor Linden as his new president of hockey operations, Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini talked about the situation like many fans would.
“He’s a winner on the ice, he’s been running successful businesses, he’s been president of the NHLPA, and is just a natural leader. So he’s a perfect bit in every way,” said Aquilini to Global BC’s Squire Barnes in the seats of Rogers Arena.
“Everybody’s so positive, because Trevor’s a known quantity. People know him, people trust him, people believe in him, across the province. The feedback is amazing.”
Aquilini said that wooing Linden was a “process” and didn’t happen overnight, but said he was the only person to be seriously considered.
“At first, he kind of was overwhelmed, but you could see the desire,” he said. “We needed leadership here, we needed a change in direction, and Trevor was the guy.”
That change in direction meant the firing of Mike Gillis, who since becoming General Manager in 2008 had led Vancouver to five straight playoff berths – until this season.
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“We just felt it was snowballing, and came to a point where we thought ‘we’ve got to make a decision here’,” said Aquilini.
“We have a good group of core players, we’ve got a fantastic fan base that believes in us. We were responding to our season ticket holders, and our fans, and we could see that was sliding a bit, the confidence. As owners, as ownership, because the Canucks are so important – and we’re fans, just like any other fan – we felt it was time to make a change.”
Aquilini praised Gillis for his service, however.
“Mike worked very hard and made a big contribution to this organization. We came within one game of the cup, and that can’t be discounted,” he said.
“It was hard, it was a very difficult decision.”
But the owner’s focus was on the future, and turning the page from a mediocre season.
“I love this job, I love the team, having a season like this is so disappointing. But at the same time, there’s always hope. You make changes and put things in place to make a winning environment.”
That change starts with Linden.
“Trevor will make all the hockey decisions. We need a leader in that capacity who will bring in the right people. He has a good outline of what he’s looking for, and we’re going to support him 100 per cent.”
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