The Vancouver Canucks will field a number of young players in 2017-18, so it was imperative for general manager Jim Benning to find some veterans that could lead the youth as they enter a rebuilding stage.
Benning did go bargain hunting this offseason, and found veteran defenceman Michael Del Zotto on a two-year deal worth a cheap $6 million.
With the likes of Erik Gudbranson (25), Troy Stecher (23), and Ben Hutton (23), on the blue line, it was crucial for Benning to bring experience on defence.