Canucks owner denies contacting Gillis about potential return
Vancouver Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini took to social media on Tuesday to deny reports that he reached out to former president and general manager Mike Gillis about potentially returning to the club.
Contrary to media reports, I have not contacted Mike Gillis about returning to the Canucks and have no plans to do so.
— Francesco Aquilini (@fr_aquilini) April 30, 2019
The Vancouver Sun's Ed Willes reported on the "White Towel" podcast last Thursday that Aqulilini reached out to Gillis via text message.
Gillis was fired by Aquilini in April 2014 and was succeeded by former Canucks captain Trevor Linden, who was hired as president of hockey operations. Vancouver then brought in current general manager, Jim Benning, in May 2014.
The Canucks enjoyed one of their most successful eras under Gillis, making the playoffs in five straight seasons while earning two Presidents' Trophies and a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2011.