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The Vancouver Canucks have missed the NHL playoffs by a large margin four consecutive seasons.
However, the team also has an exciting core group of young stars like Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes.
As a result, it’s hard to blame the Canucks fan base for being seriously divided on the team’s General Manager Jim Benning being signed to a three-year contract extension.
Do you like the Jim Benning extension? #Canucks
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) August 16, 2019
Halford & Brough @SUBWAYCanada poll ? with @brookwardtsn & @karen_surman
— TSN Radio Vancouver (@TSN1040) August 19, 2019
Does Jim Benning deserve a contract extension?
Having drafted all three young stars, but also signed terrible contracts such as Loui Eriksson's, the perception of Benning's work as a GM tends to be that he can scout the draft well, but struggles with pro-level players.
THINGS JIM BENNING IS BAD AT:
— BoestMode (@BoestMode) August 16, 2019
◾Trading
◾Not tampering
◾Contracts
◾PR
◾Asset management
◾Pro player assessment
◾Planning ahead
◾Cap management
THINGS JIM BENNING IS AVERAGE AT:
◾Drafting
THINGS JIM BENNING IS VERY GOOD AT:
◾Keeping his job despite this#Canucks https://t.co/nXkXZvHPV0
Despite the team seeing very little success in recent seasons, it appears Benning's reputation as a prospect drafting wizard is enough for the Canucks to keep him aboard.
On Tuesday, franchise owner's released a letter explaining their decision, saying that "last season felt like the start of something special," while highlighting Benning's recent successes.
First of all, thank you for your support of the Canucks. We appreciate the commitment you’ve made by renewing with us. As a Season Ticket Member, you are an important part of our franchise and its success.
I’m pleased to officially confirm the news that we’ve agreed to terms with Jim Benning on a three-year contract extension. He’ll continue to lead our Hockey Operations group as General Manager.
Jim and his staff have been working diligently and wisely to lay the foundations of an elite team, built to win consistently over the long term. Last year we got to enjoy Elias Pettersson’s Calder-winning performance, Brock Boeser’s continuing development, Quinn Hughes’ impressive debut, Jacob Markstrom’s maturation as an NHL goaltender, and Bo Horvat’s emergence as a confident leader.
Our exciting young players can only continue improving as they benefit from the experience and talent of our newest players, including J.T. Miller, Tyler Myers, Jordie Benn and Micheal Ferland. We also have players developing in our minor-league system, and Jim and his group once again added prospects with huge potential at the NHL Draft in June.
Last season felt like the start of something special. Under the leadership of Jim and Travis, this year’s team is ready to build on last year’s progress. It will take time to achieve our long-term goals, but we’re headed in the right direction.
In 2019.20 we will celebrate our 50th NHL season. Henrik and Daniel Sedin’s jerseys will be retired to the rafters in Rogers Arena, and Alex Burrows will be inducted to the Ring of Honour. The half-century history of our team—the players, traditions, and unforgettable moments—will be honoured throughout the season as we watch this new generation of Canucks begin to make history of their own.
I was a Canucks fan long before I became an owner, and I haven’t looked forward to opening night with such anticipation in a long time. It’s going to be an exciting season. We can’t wait to share it with you!
Sincerely,
Francesco Aquilini
While the Aquilini group seem confident that a playoff birth is just on the horizon, Vegas oddsmakers beg to differ.
The Canucks are currently projected to finish outside the playoff picture with 90.5 points and behind teams like Calgary and Winnipeg.
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