The Canuck have signed soon to be 32-year-old defenceman Jordie Benn to a two year contract with an average annual value of $2.0M per season this morning

Benn is coming off an 81 game season with the Montreal Canadiens that saw him score five goals and 17 assists in 81 games.

The Victoria-born defender is known for his defensive play but isn’t a bad puck mover as well. He doesn’t join the rush too often but does well in protecting his own blueline.

Benn had struggled in 2016-17 and 2018-19 but bounced back last season and made a tangible impact for the Canadiens that just fell short to make the playoffs.

Benn was a player that many people suggested that the Canucks target as a bottom-pairing defenceman to help them keep the puck out of the net. Without a doubt, he makes the group better and helps them in a way that they have needed for so long. The term and contract aren’t a burden in the long term picture, so kudos to the Canucks on this deal.

Another benefit is that despite being left-handed, Benn can play both sides and was very good on the right side last season.

Being an undrafted a player who worked his way through the BCHL, ECHL, CHL, and then the AHL to play 473 games in the NHL and then signing with his hometown team, it is a great story.