Trade-Happy Canucks Send Linden to Islanders

The Vancouver Canucks continued a week of copious trading Friday, dealing former captain Trevor Linden to the New York Islanders for defenseman Bryan McCabe, center Todd Bertuzzi and a third-round draft pick.

Linden, who arrived in Vancouver 10 years ago when he was selected second overall in the 1988 draft, has been considered the heart and soul of the Canucks but has been hobbled recently by knee injuries.

Vancouver Coach Mike Keenan said he never really had a chance to assess Linden’s talent because of injuries, and described the trade as a decision to “move the program forward and in a different direction.”

To get Linden, the Islanders gave up one of their talented young defensemen and captain in McCabe, 22. In 56 games, McCabe has three goals, nine assists and 145 penalty minutes. He will be a restricted free agent after the season.

The deal is the fourth in three days for the Canucks. On Thursday, Vancouver acquired center Peter Zezel from the New Jersey Devils for a fifth-round draft pick and sent forward Mike Sillinger to Philadelphia for a conditional sixth-round draft choice.

On Wednesday, Keenan sent forward Geoff Sanderson to Buffalo for left wing Brad May and a third-round pick.

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Tampa Bay defenseman Bryan Marchment was suspended for the second time this season, this time for kneeing Carolina’s Kevin Dineen earlier in the week.

Marchment’s suspension was effective pending a hearing to be held during the Olympic break.