It's the most glorious time of the year for league watchers and hotstove junkies -- the games become more meaningful, and vague trade chatter becomes much more tangible.
Over the next month, Jim Benning must decide if the Canucks have a realistic shot at the playoffs or if they're going to fall short, which pending UFAs he can do without, and whether there are any hockey trades he can make to help the retool. Given their division, I suppose it's possible they are in the running for both a high pick or a playoff spot right through the end of the season.