"We’ll start with eight defencemen, but we want to have 11 D capable of playing in the NHL," Benning told Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province. "That’s something I learned this year from being in the West. The travel wears the team down a bit and it seems to take a toll on your defence."

"Vancouver's general manager has repeatedly insisted this offseason that the club hasn't made any decisions on how they're going to proceed yet and won't until they convene their full team of scouts and executives following the NHL scouting combine in early June."

"So it's not surprising that most of the quotes Benning gave Jamieson this week are vague and philosophical, rather than specific. They do hint at a couple of major priorities though, namely that the club wants to upgrade their transition game from the blue line, will only roll with eight defenseman on their 23-man roster, will be lower-end bidders in free agency and will prioritize organizational defensive depth."

"Taken altogether, we're probably safe in assuming that some back-end renovations are coming."

http://canucksarmy.com/20...-benning-s-blue-line-plan

7 years ago today, we lost a outstanding young man, RIP Luc Bourdon
- LeftCoaster

I was so happy when we drafted him. I was at work heading out for lunch when I found out, very sad. I do have to say new GM Mike Gillis and the rest of the organization were very classy about the way they handled his service. Sad indeed.

"Vancouver's general manager has repeatedly insisted this offseason that the club hasn't made any decisions on how they're going to proceed yet and won't until they convene their full team of scouts and executives following the NHL scouting combine in early June."

"So it's not surprising that most of the quotes Benning gave Jamieson this week are vague and philosophical, rather than specific. They do hint at a couple of major priorities though, namely that the club wants to upgrade their transition game from the blue line, will only roll with eight defenseman on their 23-man roster, will be lower-end bidders in free agency and will prioritize organizational defensive depth."

"Taken altogether, we're probably safe in assuming that some back-end renovations are coming."
- LeftCoaster

More Benning at 9am Bro Jake, expect more of "you know"

More Benning at 9am Bro Jake, expect more of "you know"
- VanHockeyGuy

And a whole bunch of "like"

And a whole bunch of "like"
- LeftCoaster

If he somehow picks up another first, he will be a hero.

If he somehow picks up another first, he will be a hero.
- VanHockeyGuy

I'm reserving judgment until I've seen him operate for at least three years. Some valid concerns regarding his talent assessment of guys like Sbisa, as well as too easily handing out contract dollars and term. I'm afraid his thinking, in terms of building, is somewhat antiquated. We may have a dinosaur on our hands???

I'm reserving judgment until I've seen him operate for at least three years. Some valid concerns regarding his talent assessment of guys like Sbisa, as well as too easily handing out contract dollars and term. I'm afraid his thinking, in terms of building, is somewhat antiquated. We may have a dinosaur on our hands???
- LeftCoaster

Crawford also plays a role here, I heard he's a pretty bright guy and talent evaluator. I think Benning puts these player decisions to his people. As far as Sbisa remember he was limited to two teams, so that comes into play as well. His next couple of moves will tell us a lot.

I'm reserving judgment until I've seen him operate for at least three years. Some valid concerns regarding his talent assessment of guys like Sbisa, as well as too easily handing out contract dollars and term. I'm afraid his thinking, in terms of building, is somewhat antiquated. We may have a dinosaur on our hands???
- LeftCoaster

I have more faith in him then I do in MG or any of us. No matter what we value a player at, their evaluation is probably better. I don't like either contract he gave out. In the end though your going to pay about 100,000 per point for forwards and D are just stupid expensive even for crap ones. The only good contracts in the NHL anymore are ELC's and Bridge deals. I can't think of a long term deal that I have liked in a while. The Sedin's last contract.

And a whole bunch of "like"
- LeftCoaster

You'd think someone would tell him and hire a speech coach or something to get rid of it.

You'd think someone would tell him and hire a speech coach or something to get rid of it.
- Scooby_Doo

I know....like WTF man

Without struggle, there is no progress.

A calm sea never made a good sailor.

would Vey make an Ok 4th line center if dorsett and hansen played with him? Primarly more offensive zone starts and bonino and horvat centres on the PK. without the 4th line stereotype added to it.

I know....like WTF man
- LeftCoaster

Haha who cares. I care about his talent evaluation and likability with other GM's scouts etc. keep on sounding like a 12 year old girl as long as he brings in prospects. Trevor was brought in to handle the media

would Vey make an Ok 4th line center if dorsett and hansen played with him? Primarly more offensive zone starts and bonino and horvat centres on the PK. without the 4th line stereotype added to it.
- manvanfan

He can't win faceoffs to save his life.

would Vey make an Ok 4th line center if dorsett and hansen played with him? Primarly more offensive zone starts and bonino and horvat centres on the PK. without the 4th line stereotype added to it.
- manvanfan

Vey has work to do, he's still young so lets see what kind of shape he comes to camp in. You're right in the fact playing him with the right people also makes a difference.

He can't win faceoffs to save his life.
- Retinalz

If someone teaches him lol. Otherwise if Cassels or someone else can come in, I can't see a place for him on this team.

Vey has work to do, he's still young so lets see what kind of shape he comes to camp in. You're right in the fact playing him with the right people also makes a difference.
- VanHockeyGuy

My though was
Sedin Sedin Vrbata
Baertschi Bonino Kassian
Dorsett Vey Hansen
Kenins Horvat Burrows.

without any trades. I'd prefer to add Belesky from FA but his cost keeps rising.

My though was
Sedin Sedin Vrbata
Baertschi Bonino Kassian
Dorsett Vey Hansen
Kenins Horvat Burrows.

without any trades. I'd prefer to add Belesky from FA but his cost keeps rising.
- manvanfan

Only for recouping a draft pick I'm okay with trading Vrbata.

My though was
Sedin Sedin Vrbata
Baertschi Bonino Kassian
Dorsett Vey Hansen
Kenins Horvat Burrows.

without any trades. I'd prefer to add Belesky from FA but his cost keeps rising.
- manvanfan

I don't forsee Vrbata playing much with the twins ever again. Even when it would have won us a game WD kept waiting until it was too late to deploy them together. Burrows would be better to replace either hansen or dorsett there, likely hansen as kenins/horvat/hansen had great chemistry last season.

If someone teaches him lol. Otherwise if Cassels or someone else can come in, I can't see a place for him on this team.
- manvanfan

Every time I ragged on Vey last year he came back and had a good game. He has skill, he needs to work hard this offseason with a guy like Gary Roberts for example.

I don't forsee Vrbata playing much with the twins ever again. Even when it would have won us a game WD kept waiting until it was too late to deploy them together. Burrows would be better to replace either hansen or dorsett there, likely hansen as kenins/horvat/hansen had great chemistry last season.
- Retinalz

If Vrbata doesn't play with the twins, trade him. Give that spot to Sven.

Every time I ragged on Vey last year he came back and had a good game. He has skill, he needs to work hard this offseason with a guy like Gary Roberts for example.
- VanHockeyGuy

Unless he is able to outplay Bonino or Horvat I think his position at C is up for grabs.

He was more effective on the wing last year but even then he will be competing with Kassian, Grenier, Virtanen for the last RW spot.