Report: Canucks Have Extended GM Jim Benning

The Canucks have reportedly extended General Manager Jim Benning, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

Benning was hired in the summer of 2014 by then-President of Hockey Operations Trevor Linden, taking over the position from Mike Gillis, who managed the club from 2008 to 2014.

The embattled GM made a series of controversial moves this summer, inking Tyler Myers and Micheal Ferland to long-term contracts and trading a first-round pick for J.T. Miller.

He’s been a polarizing figure in Vancouver,  beloved by some for his perceived ability to revamp the Canucks’ floundering scouting department and develop a new core of players like Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, Troy Stecher, and Quinn Hughes; but criticized for his mixed record in trades and free agency. The Canucks have a 175-186-49 record over Benning’s 5 years as general manager.

Fans had speculated the coming season could be Benning’s last with the club if they failed to make the playoffs for a fifth straight season, but it appears as though ownership is confident the team is moving in the right direction, at least for the time being.

Terms of the deal have yet to be announced.