Canucks brass not inspiring confidence

How relevant is the next question.

Linden, as president of hockey operations, and Jim Benning as GM, are about to enter Phase 2 of The Plan and that presents a more complex challenge than assembling the raw materials.

Talent, to be sure, is a big consideration for any franchise trying to resurrect itself but the real art of team building lies in other, murky areas.

I mean, if it was as easy as showing up at the draft and picking in the top five, Arizona wouldn’t be dead last and fans in Edmonton would be a lot less angry.

The more pressing issues concern chemistry, leadership, coaching and the assignment of roles and that’s where the hard questions will be asked of Linden and Benning.

To date, they haven’t exactly inspired confidence with their game plan and we trust this point doesn’t need further illumination. You need only look at the standings over the last three seasons to understand the organization has failed in its attempt to remain competitive while integrating younger players into the lineup.

But, beginning with the expected signing of forward Adam Gaudette later this year and the promotion of goalie Thatcher Demko, this same management team will be entrusted with the prime assets which will shape the Canucks’ future. So, should they oversee this crucial Trevor Linden stage of the franchise’s history? Should they be allowed to make those key decisions?

These are the crucial questions for the Aquilini ownership.

Linden and Benning have made some glaring errors.

They’ve also put together a group of players who could evolve into an NHL power.

If you believe this management team can take the next step with that group, the best group in Canucks’ history, then you extend their contracts.

If you don’t, you look elsewhere.

It’s really that simple but the consequences of that decision will determine the fate of this franchise.

Get it right and the Canucks will be destined for great things. Get it wrong and, well, we know how the last three seasons have felt.

And everyone will get fired again.

If Canucks’ history has taught us anything, it’s taught us an NHL organization is a fragile eco-system and long-term success is as elusive as true love. But with so much at stake, you’d like to see the team’s stakeholders get the next step right.