Canucks' Linden: Desjardins will be back next season

Willie Desjardins' job is safe for now.

The head coach isn't going anywhere, according to Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations Trevor Linden, who said as much to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

"Earlier this week, I had a chance to speak to Trevor Linden and one of the things he said was, 'End any speculation about Willie Desjardins' future. There's no doubt he will be back as head coach of the Canucks'," Friedman said during Saturday's edition of "Headlines."

Linden confirmed those remarks to the Vancouver Province's Ben Kuzma, adding that the Canucks' entire coaching staff will return.

"We expected to be very young this year - which we are - and we've handed Willie a real challenge with several rookies on any give night and I think he has performed well," Linden said. "I'm not making any excuses, but there's no reason for us to consider a change. The rookies have made steps. Nothing is perfect."

Vancouver boasts a trio of talented rookies in Jake Virtanen, Jared McCann, and Ben Hutton, along with second-year center Bo Horvat.

Desjardins is 24-27-12 in his second season behind the Canucks' bench, with Vancouver entering Saturday's action 12 points out of a playoff spot.

The Canucks went 48-29-5 in his first NHL campaign last season before being eliminated in six games by the Calgary Flames in the first round of the playoffs.