With the Vancouver Canucks and top blueliner Alexander Edler unlikely to sign a new deal before he hits free agency, per Rick Dhaliwal of Sportsnet 650, addressing the defence will obviously be the top priority for general manager Jim Benning this offseason.
Even with Edler, the Canucks had one of the league’s most frustrating defensive units in 2018-19. His likely departure adds more urgency for Benning to find somebody that can replace his minutes and work ethic.
Whether or not he finds that person remains to be seen, but the blue line shouldn’t be his only priority in the offseason.