Jim Benning is looking for just the right pieces in NHL free agency
With youngsters expected to play important roles next season, don’t expect big-name help
Jim Benning has been dialing hockey’s version of a combined chat and date line.
Call it 1-800-411-HELP. The five-day window to woo unrestricted free agents in advance of the July 1 shopping spree opened Sunday and the Vancouver Canucks general manger is seeking solutions. The rebuilding NHL club needs to replace 50-point producers in the retired Henrik and Daniel Sedin and provide young players with a critical support system. Easier said than done. Even second-tier free agents want money, term, a no-trade clause, a chance to win and a nice city. Benning can easily sell Vancouver’s lifestyle and scenery. Can he sell his vision for a rebuild by promising bigger roles at reasonable money and term? The Canucks have pledged to be younger and several million under the US$79.5-million salary cap.
“People understand our situation — they know where we’re at,” said Benning. “We’d like to sign support players, those who can bring us energy, speed and help with the development of our skilled, younger players. We’re not going after the bigname free agents.
“We’re looking for that niche guy who can give us something — whether it’s the PK, tenacity, being hard to play against and take pressure off young players.”
There’s more to the equation because the Canucks also can’t score. They were ranked 26th offensively with 2.66 goals per game and although they rebounded from a poor start on the power play — finishing ninth in that category — they need more pop down the middle.
Are the Canucks content with Bo Horvat and Brandon Sutter as their first two centres? It will be easier to land a support pivot while Elias Pettersson breaks in at right wing than a centre with real scoring potential.
UFAs who fit Benning’s niche criteria are centres Riley Nash and Jay Beagle. Those who fit the need for 20-goal potential are Tyler Bozak, Derek Ryan and Nash.
Nash, 29, earned $900,000 last season with Boston and had 41 points, while Beagle, 32, made $1.75 million with Washington and collected 22 points. Bozak, 32, is coming off 43 points with Toronto and earned $4 million last season. Ryan, 31, had 38 points with Carolina and made $1.425 million. Bozak has fielded several calls, including one from the Canucks.
“We’ve talked to a lot of players and their agents, but I’m not going to say who,” said Benning. “We’re trying to decide from a team-building standpoint what makes more sense for us. We’re trying to add a top-nine (player) or more of a fourth-line, matchup, penalty killer. What’s the best route?”
If Benning had a crystal ball and could see that Pettersson will move to the middle sooner than later — and that Hobey Baker Award winner Adam Gaudette will build on his five-game audition last spring — the support equation would be easier to solve.
“We don’t know for sure if Gaudette can come in and play a regular role next year,” added Benning.
“If he can, great, but we also have to guard against if he’s not ready. We don’t want to rush him and put him in a situation he can’t handle. Then we lose out on the development.”
Bozak is going to seek big money and a long term in what could be his final contract. Others might be more willing to meet the Canucks in the middle and that looks like their aim.
A year ago, the Canucks committed three years and $9.45 million to versatile forward Sam Gagner. He was coming off 50 points (18-32) with Columbus and was thought to be a first-line and first power-play consideration here.
It didn’t work out. He had 31 points (10-21) in 74 games, but he didn’t break the bank.
“We have a plan and we’re not going to waiver,” said Benning. “We’re concentrating on proper development.”
Sounds more like seeking support than shooting for the stars.