The 2019 offseason has been the most productive one yet for Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning, as he continues his efforts to build a playoff team for the first time since 2015.
Benning’s biggest impact move was trading for Tampa Bay Lightning forward J.T. Miller on draft weekend, sending goalie Marek Mazanec, their 2019 third-round selection plus a conditional 2020 first in return.
The cost was high, no doubt. But that’s the price you have to pay for a guy who’s only 26 years of age, with three 20-goal and four 40-point seasons on his resume.