Canucks fire head coach John Tortorella: Trevor Linden says 'a fresh start was needed'

Trevor Linden, the Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations, held a news conference Wednesday to address the decision to relieve John Tortorella of his duties as the team's head coach.

Linden said it was a "tough decision" and that he has a "great deal of respect" for Tortorella and (assistant coach) Mike Sullivan, adding "they're great people and good coaches." 

However, Linden clearly stated the impetus behind the decision by saying "a fresh start was needed."

"Today is about the future of this team," he added, and "the ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup."

Linden also stated he did not feel pressure to make the move, and that Tortorella's suspension after an incident in Calgary during the regular season had nothing to do with the decision. 

Interestingly, he also admitted to having informed Tortorella of the decision over the phone.

In terms of what he is looking for in a new head coach, Linden listed the following:

The fact that the team is without a general manager was raised on several occasions and Linden said he has a "real strong candidate list" and will begin the interview process next week. He would not comment on specific names, but said he has had "no pushback" in terms of approaching candidates working for teams still in the playoffs.

Traditionally, general managers are involved in the process of hiring a new head coach, but Linden suggested the hiring processes can run concurrently, adding he would like to have a new GM in place by the end of the month.

Linden concluded by saying "Our team is set up to play a certain way," and "we as an organization have to connect with our fans in a better way."