Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
When Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning looks at the Western Conference, and more specifically the Pacific Division, what he undoubtedly sees is opportunity. And not without reason. As the Canucks awoke Monday morning, they found themselves one point off the division lead, only five points behind the top team in the conference and with a goal differential bested by only two clubs who could be potential pre-Stanley Cup final playoff opponents.
And so, with the opportunity arising and the deadline approaching, Benning paid the price he deemed necessary to upgrade his roster and made the first of what could be a few pre-trade deadline splashes for Vancouver.