Posts: 19989
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:44 am
There was a dismal mood in the Vancouver Canucks locker room Sunday as players cleared out their equipment after ending the season with a humiliating 7-1 loss to the Calgary Flames Saturday night.
After the failure to make the playoffs in two of the last three seasons there are rumours that at least three of the team's stars might not return next year.
Top forwards Brendan Morrison and Markus Naslund are eligible to become unrestricted free agents July 1, while veteran centre Trevor Linden could soon announce his retirement after 19 NHL seasons, 16 of them in Vancouver.
On Sunday when team captain Naslund arrived to pick up his gear, he was not willing to comment on his future.
"I'm going to take some time and reflect on everything and then try to make the right decision," said Naslund.
The forward refused to rule out any options for next year, including retiring, signing with another team or returning again to play for the Canucks.
Fan favourite Linden was also unwilling to comment on his future plans. Linden turns 38 on Friday, and did not see much ice time this season.
"It's been a hard week with a roller-coaster of emotions. I just need to take some time and make sure I make the right decision."
During the third period on Saturday, Linden received several standing ovations, with fans chanting, "One more year." As a symbolic gesture, he was also named the first star of the game.
One of the most disappointed players on Sunday was star goalie Roberto Luongo, who was heartbroken not to be in the playoffs.
"We all knew we were capable of more…. It's still tough to swallow. It will be good to be away from Vancouver to get over the disappointing ending," said Luongo.
Not just the players are looking at an uncertain future, as both the coaching staff and management will be under scrutiny as owner Francesco Aquilini decides whether to rebuild from the top.
CKA Uber 
Gorgeous!)
