Jim Benning wants to re-sign Jacob Markstrom

Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning says he wants to make sure Jacob Markstrom is re-signed calling him an important player to the organization.

Markstrom, 30, had a career-best season with a 23-16-4 record in 43 starts and a .918 save percentage.

“I’ve said all along that he’s an important guy for us,” Benning told The Province’s Ben Kuzma. “My intent is to figure out something that works for him and us. I’m hoping to get him signed, but that’s part of the business – we’ll have to wait and see.

“To know behind the scenes of everything he was going through – and coming back from Sweden to play that game against the Rangers (38 saves in a 3-2 win on Oct. 20) – and to just show consistency and a high standard was something.”

Benning added he wanted to have Markstrom signed before the trade deadline, but it never materialized.

Markstrom was named as the Canucks nominee for the Bill Masterton trophy awarded annually by the PHWA to the player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.”

His father passed away in November after a battle with cancer and Markstrom took a leave of absence a month later to be with his family.

On Twitter: @zjlaing