Canucks & Beyond
Next entry: Does Size Matter?
Previous entry: MySpace Pyatts
Trevor Linden in the Mix
by Alanah McGinley on 03/13/07 at 10:40 AM ET
Comments (3)
Trevor Linden’s tenure as the elected president of the NHLPA ended last year, much to my relief; as expected, it seems to have provided him with renewed energy on the ice. But recent developments with NHLPA head Ted Saskin seem to be dragging Linden back into the fray of hockey politics he escaped last July.
Saskin’s suspension by the player reps on Sunday will continue as he’s investigated for accessing players’ email accounts. Linden has, predictably, been re-engaged by the media given his past relationship with Saskin. He’s been publicly supportive of Saskin throughout this (and previous) scandals, and he’s likely to be featured heavily in stories over the coming months. Here are some quotes indicating his feelings yesterday:
“I think there is more to the story and you have to understand that. I don’t think you can pass judgement until you understand the full story behind it. I’m not going to pass judgment until I know all the facts.”
And about the email story… “I knew that there were a lot of sensitive documents being leaked to the media a year and half ago. I’m not sure if this has something to do with that. I knew there were some agents and some players leaking documents.”
Whether it’s his intention or not, Linden’s last comment does seem to be rationalizing the behavior Saskin is accused of—accessing those NHLPA email accounts. Certainly not likely to be a popular response to many players.
What I’m curious about now is how much all of this will impact one of Vancouver’s favorite sons. Saskin was hired during the lockout year under circumstances which have continued to draw attention. Linden endorsed Saskin and has always maintained the process was legal. But now that Saskin is almost certain to fall from his perch, and as investigations continue into activities of the NHLPA, Linden’s support is liable to be questioned considerably.
How will Trevor Linden’s reputation be impacted by all of this? And after having him as their president for 7 years, will the players on the NHLPA hold him responsible for what’s happening now, or will the focus remain on Ted Saskin?
Filed in: business of hockey, nhl general, vancouver canucks | Canucks and Beyond | Permalink
Comments
The story you cited - that AP one - does provide more of Linden’s comments, which is helpful. Thanks.
I like Linden a lot, as many do. I just hope that once all the dust settles he’s still standing.
Posted by Alanah McGinley from British Columbia on 03/13/07 at 07:39 PM ET
Who cares.... He is SO HOT!
Sorry!But God he is cute!
Posted by Tai-Tai on 03/14/07 at 04:22 AM ET
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Most Recent Blog Posts
Wellwood Returning to Vancouver
In Defense of Dany Heatley (sort of)
Sedin’s Agent Not Optimistic About a Vancouver Deal, but is Anyone?
Mike Keenan Joins the Canucks?
GM Place Keeps its Name; Disaster Averted
What’s Trevor Linden Been Up To?
About Canucks & Beyond
Alanah McGinley has been blogging hockey since 2003, sharing opinions, rants and not-so-deep thoughts with anyone who will listen. In addition to writing Canucks & Beyond and helping manage Kukla’s Korner, Alanah is one of the founders and co-hosts of The Crazy Canucks Podcast, as featured at Canucks.com.
She has contributed pieces to FoxSports.com and the New York Times Slapshot blog, as well as other stray destinations in cyberspace.
Email:
Alanah’s Twitter: Not really hockey-ish. [LINK]
Other Canucks Blogs
Well, if Trevor ever decides to go into politics, you will know how he conducts business, either way this whole thing turns out.
Contrast this story…
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-nhlpa-linden&prov=ap&type=lgns
with the recent story in Hockey News by Adam Proteau about Manny Legace...and you get both ends of the spectrum in the whole lockout dispute.
Posted by GZ Expat from China on 03/13/07 at 06:28 PM ET