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Vancouver Canucks: Waiting it Out, Wide-Ranging Jim Benning Interview |
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As the dust settles on the Vancouver Canucks' 2014-15 season, it's tempting to look forward to player moves that the team can make this summer.
For me, it's far too early. The foundation of the NHL is still in flux with coaches and general managers changing positions and playoff results still to be determined. We need to be patient before we'll even get a good look at the lay of the land.
On Monday, Lou Lamoriello pulled a rabbit out of his hat when he announced that former Pittsburgh Penguins' general manager Ray Shero would take over the reins for the New Jersey Devils. Lou stays on as team president at age 72, but that move could trigger some changes in the Devils organization that hadn't been previously anticipated.
The coaching fabric of the league also remains undetermined until Mike Babcock makes his decision on if he's going to leave Detroit and, if so, where he'll sign. I don't think any of the other current coaching vacancies will be filled until Babcock declares his intentions.
For that matter, more heads may roll before the playoffs are over. Last year, Pittsburgh didn't clean house until after they lost in the second round. Would jobs be in jeopardy if the New York Rangers lose this round to the Washington Capitals? Or—hypothetically—if the Flames somehow stage the comeback of the year against Anaheim??
At this time last year, the Canucks were in the throes of their own organizational change. All through the playoffs, we watched the general manager and coaching searches play out, with Jim Benning eventually hired on May 21 and Willie Desjardins on June 23.
Today's May 5. This year, the organization is stable. It's going to be a long time before any wheeling and dealing begins.
Scott Rintoul spoke with Jim Benning on TSN1040 last night:
The interview starts off a bit bumpy, but gets more substantial as the 15 minutes rolls along. Here are the highlights, and I attempt to read between the lines along the way:
• Benning wonders if the Canucks had trouble moving past the surprise loss in Game 1 against Calgary. Says he's not sure why that would happen with such an experienced group. Was also surprised that the team didn't respond better on the road in Calgary.
• He gives credit to Flames players like Ferland and Sam Bennett for stepping up. The unspoken part of that thought seems to be that the Canucks didn't have players that responded in a similar fashion.
• When asked if the organization already has the young players that it needs to get faster and more physical, Benning says yes. Cites Jake Virtanen as his prime example, and also mentions the great Game 5 that Brendan Gaunce laid down against the Chicago Wolves last weekend.
• Benning reiterates that no young player will be given a spot, however. Opportunities will have to be earned. He believes that Willie Desjardins is on the same page when it comes to working younger players into the lineup.
• When asked about impending free agents Shawn Matthias and Brad Richardson, Benning says he's in discussions with their agents and needs to find out how much money they want. Admits that if they decide to keep either player, they'll have to "clear out some money" to make room.
• Regarding players with no-trade clauses, he says that no decisions have been made yet, but if there's a move that can be made to improve the team—specifically, a player that other teams want—then they'll go to the player to see if something can be done.
It sounds like the door is very open if a good opportunity presents itself—and these comments could apply to anybody from Ryan Miller to Radim Vrbata to Kevin Bieksa and on down the line...
• Reiterates that the Sbisa signing was necessary because he's 25 years old and Hamhuis and Bieksa are set to become unrestricted free agents in one year. Sbisa skates well and he's physical. Needed to make sure the team has some defensive depth under contract.
• It'll be up to Travis Green whether or not Jake Virtanen or Jared McCann see any playoff action with the Utica Comets. They'll practice with the team and could get into the lineup if there's an injury situation or other circumstance.
Rintoul also mentions that Nicklas Jensen was a healthy scratch in Game 5 against Chicago—pulled from the lineup to make room for Brendan Gaunce. Benning says Jensen still needs to play a more complete game and has had an up-and-down year. Their job is to keep working with him.
• Benning says he spoke with Jordan Subban's reps on Monday and they're working to get a deal done.
• Finally, Rintoul asks what changes have been made to the Canucks scouting department since Benning took over last season. He says that the scouts have been given definitions and clear criteria of things that are important when watching players. The goal is to simplify the language in scouting meetings, to ensure that everyone's on the same page. Benning believes that the scouts have made great strides this year, and that their jobs have been made easier.
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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