Stecher, Tanev, Markstrom thank Canucks fans on social media
It was an emotional weekend for fans of the Vancouver Canucks.
The team added Braden Holtby in free agency, but said goodbye to three longtime Canucks on the first two days of free agency: Jacob Markstrom, Chris Tanev, and Troy Stecher. Making matters worse was that Markstrom and Tanev both ended up with the rival Calgary Flames.
This is the worst thing you have ever tweeted.
— Sam (@samanthacp_) October 10, 2020
By the time Tyler Toffoli signed a bargain contract with the Montreal Canadiens on Monday, Canucks fans were beginning to revolt, as #FireBenning was trending on Twitter in the city of Vancouver.
But before the day was done, Jim Benning swung a deal to get top pairing defenceman Nate Schmidt from the Vegas Golden Knights for just a third-round pick.
Regardless of where you stand on the Canucks’ offseason moves so far, it’s difficult to see players like Tanev, Markstrom, and Stecher leave town.
That’s why their goodbye messages on Instagram are giving fans all the feels.
Tanev: “I love you guys and I will sincerely miss you!”
View this post on Instagram
Tanev spent a decade with the Canucks, putting his body on the line every night. By the end of his tenure in Vancouver, he was called “Dad” by many of his teammates. He turned to Instagram for a rare public post to say thanks.
“Thank you Canucks and the city of Vancouver for the best ten years anyone could ask for,” said Tanev. “Thank you to all the fans for the support you have given me. I have made so many friends and created a lifetime of memories in Vancouver. I love the city, the fans, the organization and most importantly, I love all of my teammates. I love you guys and I will sincerely miss you!”
Markstrom: “Thank you to all the Vancouver fans”
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Markstrom went from a waiver wire afterthought to team MVP in his six years in Vancouver, after joining the Canucks in the Roberto Luongo trade in 2014. He became a leader in the Canucks dressing room and was a fan favourite.
“First of all thank you to all the Vancouver fans and the people in Vancouver for making my time there unforgettable!” Markstrom said on Instagram. “Thank you to the teammates, coaches, trainers and everyone in the organization for lifelong friendships!”
Stecher: “Can’t imagine a different beginning to my professional career”
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Troy Stecher spent less time with the Canucks than both Tanev and Markstrom, but playing in Vancouver clearly meant a lot to the Richmond native.
“You made a local kid’s dream come true by supporting me the way you guys did,” Stecher said in an interview with JD Burke and Andrew Wadden on TSN 1040 this weekend.
"You made a local kids dream come true by supporting me the way you guys did…"@troystecher joined #TSN1040 shortly after signing with the Detroit Red Wings, to talk about the move.
Full interview 👉 https://t.co/UgmypJ2Wra pic.twitter.com/lxQrgDGbYN
— TSN Radio Vancouver (@TSN1040) October 10, 2020
“Thank you to the city of Vancouver and the Canucks organization for the past four years,” the new Red Wings defenceman said on Instagram. “I can’t imagine a different beginning to my professional career. I feel extremely fortunate.
“Coaches, staff, management, ownership, fans but most importantly my teammates, friends and family, thank you for all the memories. Going to miss you all!”
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