"There was a dichotomy": When ex-Vancouver Canucks HC and acting GM Mike Keenan justified controversial trades during short stint with the franchise

Former NHL coach Mike Keenan reflected on his brief tenure as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks. Known for his tough coaching style and attitude, Keenan earned the nickname "Iron Mike" and became one of the most decorated coaches in the NHL. In his memoir, "Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench," published in October last year, Keenan shared his experiences with the Canucks.

Keenan's coaching career highlights include leading the New York Rangers to their first Stanley Cup since 1940 in 1994, ending the "Curse of 1940." Three years later, in November 1997, Keenan joined the Canucks as head coach, replacing Tom Renney. While promoting his memoir on the show "Donnie and Dhali," Keenan discussed his time with the Canucks, describing the late 1990s as a "dark phase" marked by ownership changes, coaching turnover and cultural shifts.

As head coach, Keenan was tasked with addressing internal team issues and was given additional responsibilities as acting general manager. During his tenure, Keenan made several trades, including dealing fan favorite Trevor Linden and enforcer Gino Odjick to the New York Islanders in 1998.

Goaltender Kirk McLean, the franchise's all-time leader in regular season games, was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes along with left-winger Martin Gélinas in exchange for Sean Burke, Geoff Sanderson and Enrico Ciccone.

Keenan attributed his trades to addressing the fractured locker room, citing a "dichotomy" between players who had reached the finals with Trevor Linden and a new supporting cast.

Keenan stated:

“There was a dichotomy, there was a split in the room, the guys that had gone to the finals with Trevor, and then a new supporting cast. So there was a split in the room, which makes it impossible to win at any level, nevermind the NHL. So it had to be rectified,” (starting at 5:10).

The Canucks' record under Keenan was 25-43-14, and he was eventually fired after just one season, failing to lead the team to the playoffs.

Mark Messier's Influence: How Mike Keenan landed the Vancouver Canucks' top Job

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In his memoir "Iron Mike," renowned NHL coach Mike Keenan revealed that his ill-fated tenure as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks was largely due to the influence of two-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner Mark Messier.

Keenan shared this insight in the same interview with Donnie and Dhali, recalling a meeting with the Canucks' owner, John McCaw, in Seattle, where McCaw disclosed that Keenan's hiring was primarily because Messier wanted him as coach.

Notably, Messier had previously won the Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers in 1994, with Keenan as his head coach. In 1997, Messier joined the Canucks as a player and captain, and his desire to reunite with Keenan led to the latter's hiring in November 1997.