My Very Own Rumour

I'm not sure how much credibility a sports blogger can have without making at least one dubious rumour without any sources or media backing, and so I will now take my plunge, and hope there's a lifeguard on duty.

Trevor Linden, the most popular player the Canucks have seen, is having trouble staying in Vancouver. They're not quite sure whether he has a place on the team. The 6'4, 220lbs center from Medicine Hat, AB, averaged just 12 minutes last season in 80 games, but put up 12-13--25, not to mention being tied for the team lead in scoring this postseason with 2-5--7 in 12 games. In 03-04, he played a full season and scored 14-22--36, but didn't show up in 7 playoff games. After the lockout, he earned 1.5 million and went 7-9--16 in his full season, earning him a 600,000 contract with 200,000 in bonuses, which he earned. After this season, with his stellar performance, he could be in line for a raise, but the 37-year old forward can't last forever.

Why do I bring up his case, you ask? Well, the article mentions that there have been quiet talks with other teams while Linden's future in Vancouver is in doubt. I wouldn't place a bet that Vigneault will let Linden go. However, if we look at our cap situation, and our efforts to get a veteran forward, I wouldn't be too surprised if Murray's been talking to Linden, trying to kick the tires on the two-way forward respected around the league.

UPDATE - 8:44AM, August 17, 2007: I suppose it comes with the territory, but both the Forsberg and Linden rumours appear to be a bit diffused today. The Ottawa Citizen reports that Linden appears poised to return to the Canucks roster after meetings that went "really, really well". Not only that, but Canucks captain Markus Naslund said he's been working the phones - much as Sakic did to bring Smyth into the Avalanche fold this summer - to convince Forsberg to come to the club, where a chance at the Stanley Cup, and many fellow countrymen, would love to make him a part of the upcoming season.

UPDATE - 9:17AM, August 21, 2007: The Canucks have now re-signed Linden to a 1-year deal for 600,000, with 300,000 in games-played bonuses.