Canucks, president of hockey operations Trevor Linden part ways

The Vancouver Canucks and president of hockey operations Trevor Linden have agreed to part ways, the team announced Wednesday.

Linden is leaving the organization to "pursue different endeavors" after spending the last four years as the team's president of hockey operations, according to the release. In this role, he oversaw all hockey operations areas, including coaching, scouting, player development, and minor-league affiliations and operations.

Canucks Sports and Entertainment chairman Francesco Aquilini says general manager Jim Benning will head the hockey operations department and report directly to ownership, but adds that a new president will be named "in due course."

Linden issued the following message:

Good afternoon, This is a difficult day, as I am writing to let you know that I am leaving my role as President of Hockey Operations for the Vancouver Canucks ...

This team and this game hold a special place in my life and I leave very optimistic about the direction the Canucks are headed.

Most of all I am excited about the highly skilled group of prospects and young stars that we have assembled. From ownership to hockey and business operations, the club is as strong as its been in years. Above it all, I can feel our fans' sense of hope again and I know the future for the Canucks is very bright.

I love this city and this province, and I will always have a special relationship with this team and Canucks fans. I am going to step back from the spotlight for a while and enjoy the summer with my young family.

Thank you all for your amazing support. I am sure I will see you around town.

Trevor

Since joining the team's front office in April of 2014, the Canucks have drafted some promising players in Thatcher Demko, Brock Boeser, Olli Juolevi, Elias Pettersson, and Quinn Hughes, but the on-ice product has been lackluster. The team has made the playoffs just once during that stretch, finishing last or second-last in the Pacific Division the other three seasons.

Linden became one of the most storied players in franchise history after being drafted second overall in 1988, playing in 1,140 games with the Canucks while registering 733 points.