The Vancouver Canucks have extended general manager Jim Benning’s contract beyond the 2019-20 season, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports.
According to Friedman, Benning was entering the final season of his deal before the extension.
Benning, 56, has been the Canucks’ GM since May 2014. In his five years in Vancouver, he has led the team through a rebuild that has seen veterans like Ryan Kesler, Kevin Bieksa and the Sedin twins leave and future stars Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes and Brock Boeser move in.
The Canucks made the playoffs in Benning’s first season but haven’t in the four seasons since. In his five seasons at the helm, the Canucks have posted a 175-186-49 record.
“Jim and his group brought in some valuable additions who strengthen our team and give us needed depth. And they signed some young prospects we think will help us down the line,” team owner Francesco Aquilini wrote in a letter to fans in April.
“I’m confident we’re on the right path. Do I wish we were further along? Of course. But I recognize it’s a long process, it requires patience, there are no shortcuts.”
[relatedlinks]