Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning is right up against the cap, and unless he can find a way to unload a couple of expensive contracts, he stands to lose one or two impact players in the offseason.
Starting goalie Jacob Markstrom is a pending UFA, deserving of a raise that could pay him $5 million-plus annually. Forwards Jake Virtanen and Adam Gaudette, who were both enjoying career years before the season pause, need new contracts.
Benning is also facing quite the dilemma on defence. Veteran blueliner Chris Tanev (a pending UFA) and soon-to-be 26-year-old Troy Stecher (a pending RFA) also require new deals.