Linden Goes Back to Canucks in Trade

The Vancouver Canucks reacquired former captain Trevor Linden from the Washington Capitals on Saturday.

Vancouver also received a second-round draft pick in 2002 or 2003 for the Capitals’ first-round pick in 2002 and a third-rounder in 2003.

“The way the club’s been performing, we had to start making some changes,” Washington General Manager George McPhee said. “I think everyone knows it’s all about performance, and if you’re not performing, changes have to be made.”

In 16 games this season, Linden has one goal and two assists. The 31-year-old center is in the third year of a four-year contract that pays him $4 million this season and $4.5 million next year.

Linden was drafted second overall by the Canucks in 1988, and began his NHL career that autumn. He scored 30 or more goals in six of his nine-plus seasons in Vancouver.

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San Jose Shark defenseman Bryan Marchment was suspended for six games for elbowing the head of Carolina Hurricane forward Shane Willis during Friday’s game at Carolina.

Willis will be out indefinitely with a concussion after he was knocked to the ice in the third minute of the game.

Marchment was ejected, and his suspension will cost him $168,292 in lost salary, with the money going to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Marchment’s punishment reflects his status as a “repeat offender,” because he has been disciplined within the last 18 months. He will be eligible to return for San Jose’s game against Nashville on Nov. 27.

Carolina goaltender Arturs Irbe, who used to play in the Western Conference, was the most vocal about Marchment’s hit, which drew a five-minute elbowing penalty and a game misconduct.

“Marchment is notorious for hurting people,” Irbe said. “I saw him on the Edmonton team sticking out his knees. I hope he gets punished. I’m upset about this.”