Report: Benning reveals plans for NHL Draft

Picking 5th overall the Canucks will get a good player, but are they looking for a forward or a defenseman?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: Benning reveals plans for NHL Draft
Keystone Press

There’s no question that the Vancouver Canucks need a lot of help. The team finished 29th overall in the NHL last season and without the stellar play of team MVPs Bo Horvat and Ryan Miller, they could have contended with the Colorado Avalanche as the league’s worst team. Unfortunately, due to an unlucky bounce of the ping pong balls in the NHL’s Draft Lottery, the turmoil the team faced during the 2016-17 season will only result in a 5th overall draft selection, rather than a 1st, 2nd or 3rd. 

Regardless, general manager Jim Benning feels his team will net a good player at this year’s draft. He spoke with TSN insider Pierre LeBrun to discuss the team’s plan, saying “We feel at 5 we’re going to still get a good player. Whether it’s a forward of a defenseman, we’re getting a skilled player.” LeBrun pressed further asking Benning about the team’s need for a playmaking center in the draft and Benning confirmed that’s a priority. “To get a center ice man, a playmaker who can run a power play and score points is I think what we need going forward,” said Benning.

LeBrun also broached a touchy subject with Benning and asked him whether or not he’d consider his team in a rebuild. Benning replied, “Whatever you want to call it. We’re rebuilding, we’re transitioning young players into our lineup.” 

For the full interview, click the video below: