NHL GM openly admits he wants to trade a defenseman for a forward.

Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning has always been one of the more open and honest GMs in the National Hockey League, so much so that he was awarded a rare fine for tampering after making comments about a rumored trade last season, and this week was no exception.

Benning was recently asked about his plans regarding potential trades moving forward as the trade deadline draws near, and Benning openly admitted that he would consider trading a defenseman, a position where he believes he has depth to spare, to bolster his forward group.

“I think that’s the one area where we have some depth now,” said Benning as per Fanrag Sports. “With Olli Juolevi coming now too, I think we have some players now – I like our defense going forward. Troy Stetcher, for a first-year player, he’s been excellent this year.

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“So if we decide we’re going to do something – teams, when they call us, they look at our depth on defense and they ask about our defensemen. So if we are going to make a move to try to improve up front, it would be maybe with one of our defensemen.”

Benning didn't go into specifics, likely having learned his lesson last season, but look out for a potential move from the Vancouver Canucks who appear to think they can make another playoff run this season.