If you thought Jim Benning’s extension was divisive among Canucks nation, take a look at some of the reactions to reports that the team is approaching an extension with pending UFA Erik Gudbranson.
We can argue the merits of re-signing Gudbranson all day, but the more pressing concern from my perspective is whether the expectedly poor seller’s market for rentals influences the decision to pursue an extension.
Much of the lacklustre expectation regarding rentals relates to the shift in approach that contending teams have made based on recent failures from proactive buyers.
Washington and Minnesota were the two most aggressive buyers at last year’s trade deadline; spending a 1st and 2nd round pick among other assets each for Kevin Shattenkirk and Martin Hanzal respectively.