Benning: “2 or 3 defenceman who fill power play role at 5th overall”
By J.D. Burke
6 years agoCanucks general manager Jim Benning spoke to the media from the Marriot in Chicago to provide insight into his plans for the draft, free agency and the trade market.
Reporters asked Benning about how the loss of Luca Sbisa in the Expansion Draft affects their plans in free agency and developmentally, and what impact it has on their likelihood to trade Chris Tanev — everything is connected.
It doesn’t sound like the Canucks have any desire to trade Tanev. That is, unless, they can acquire a defenceman of similar quality as a return. What if they can add a player through the draft to one day fill his role, though?
The discussion about the Canucks’ plans at fifth overall generally hinges on a group of roughly three-to-five playmaking centres. Today, Benning answered questions about the preeminent group of three defencemen and where they figure into the discussion.
“I think there [are] two-or-three defencemen [at fifth overall] that can fit that role of being a first power play unit defenceman.” Benning told a group of reporters. “Any time you can get a high-end offensive defenceman that drives play for your team in today’s game, I think that’s something we’re going to look at”.
Most often, the conversation immediately shifts in Timothy Liljegren’s direction when the Canucks are connected to a defenceman at fifth overall. The smooth-skating offensive pivot who played for Rogle in the SHL once drew comparisons to Erik Karlsson; a season plagued by mononucleosis and the effects therein have taken him from presumptive top-five pick to someone who could drop into the teens, though.
It doesn’t sound like Benning was dismayed. He spoke about the familiarity they have with the prospect and the comfort level that affords them.
“We watched [Liljegren] a lot as a 16-year-old, so we’ve got a good feel for him.] Benning said. “He’s a player — when you talk about his physical skills, [whether it’s] his ability to skate, shoot, to carry the puck up ice — it’s all high-end. This year, for whatever reason — injuries — he didn’t get on that roll that some of the players in his draft class [did]. We feel he has the capability to be a real good power play defenceman.”
If there’s one defenceman who might be stealing Liljegren’s mantle in the minds of the Canucks’ brain trust, it’s Brooks Bandits pivot, Cale Makar. The AJHL standout, who’s skating might be near the top of his draft class, entered the conversation for the Canucks’ selection at fifth overall. Benning confirmed he’s someone they’ve kept an eye on for quite some time.
“We watched [Makar] last year.” Benning said. “He grew over the summer; he came back this year and was even more dynamic than he was last year. He’s an exciting player.”
Of course, one can’t talk about Makar without raising questions about the level of competition he faced this season. Playing in a Junior A league like the AJHL, it can make the evaluation process more difficult than players in advanced leagues.
“We look at the foundation of their games. [Makar’s] ability to skate; his shot; his hockey sense. I don’t know [what league he’s played in] matters. That doesn’t really bother us.”
Centre or defenceman, Benning sounds encouraged about the player the Canucks will select at fifth overall. “We’re going to get a really good player that we’re going to be excited about, and he’s going to be a foundation piece for our team”.
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