He started his professional career in the Western Hockey League with the Medicine Hat Tigers; playing for three seasons racking up 148 points. As a junior, Linden played 5 games in his first season, 72 in the second and 67 games in his third and final season. In his second season playing for tigers he got 14 goals and 22 assists. Following that season he concluded his junior career with 46 goals and 64 assists.
Drafted 2nd overall in the 1st round of the 1988 NHL entry draft, Trevor Linden quickly became a fan favourite in the city of Vancouver. As a member of the Canucks he progressed as a player and a leader and at the young age of 20, he was made captain of the Canucks in just his third NHL season. In '94 Linden led the Canucks to the glories of the Stanley Cup finals. They lost in 7 games to the dreaded New York Rangers just 1 goal short of winning the Stanley Cup.
The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is an honourable prize rewarded to an individual who displays leadership traits on and off the ice. Trevor Linden was elected to receive this prestigious award in the 96-97 season.
On June 11, 2008, after an outstanding 19 season career, Linden announced his retirement from his beloved game of hockey. On December 17, 2008 the number 16 was retired to the rafters in honour of Linden's fabulous career.
Trevor Linden is many things to many people. To most he's an icon, but to a select few he's much more than that. In 2003, Brian Burke, the former General Manager of the Canucks, said “he [Linden] never looked right in another uniform.”
