Benning Gives Hamhuis update, talks Kassian and Utica prospects in TSN1040 Interview

Jim Benning gave his thoughts on Zack Kassian, Nicklas Jensen and had some updates regarding the Utica Comets and Dan Hamhuis’ injury timeline in a TSN1040 interview yesterday with Blake Price and Matt Sekeres.

Hamhuis, who tore his groin in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks Nov. 20, was originally set to return around Jan. 15. However, Benning declined to put a date on Hamhuis’ return, saying that while he’s progressing well, the Canucks won’t rush his return to the lineup. “We’re not going to put him back in the lineup until he’s 100 per cent,” Benning said.

The Canucks have stayed afloat playing their other six defensemen, and have brought up the likes of Alex Biega, Frank Corrado and Bobby Sanguinetti to fill the press box void. However, their respective stays haven’t run past two weeks at a time – something Benning says is to ensure they can remain fresh by playing with the Utica Comets. While Corrado hasn’t played a game with the Canucks this season, it seems as if the Canucks general manager is pleased with his progress in the AHL.

“We feel he’s ready to play NHL games,” Benning said of the third-year defenseman. However, the steady play of depth defensemen Yannick Weber and Luca Sbisa has negated the potential impact of adding Corrado to the lineup. It seems farfetched that, unless both players struggle immensely over the next few weeks, Corrado will make much of an impact this year. This doesn’t mean Corrado is on the trading block; instead, Corrado will likely finish the year in the AHL and make the club next season.

Nicklas Jensen finds himself navigating the same choppy waters, although Jensen’s situation is more about the logjam of forwards the Canucks have right now. The fact that most of the forwards have stayed relatively healthy thus far has also played a factor, and the Canucks would like to see Jensen in more of a top-six role.

“Well, knock on wood, but we haven’t had a lot of injuries this year to our lineup,” Benning mentioned. “There hasn’t been a lot of space for guys to get called up and contribute.” Jensen is currently second on the Comets in goals, with nine in 24 games.

Apr 7, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Nicklas Jensen (46) moves in front of Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (36) during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

The one significant injury the Canucks have had to their forward core this year, Zack Kassian’s broken hand, has sparked a lot of discussion amongst media and fans as to whether Kassian might be on the chopping block. But Benning’s comments infer that while Kassian still has maturity issues, as long as he’s contributing, he’s a valuable asset. Benning has been pleased with Kassian’s play since his return, contributing to scoring chances and “playing in straight lines.”

“The media wants him to be a top-six guy,” Benning said. “If he’s doing the things he can do to help us win games, and if it’s on the third line, I’m fine with that.” It’s consistent with Benning and Linden’s plans to roll four lines, which may play a part in the low injury rates. Vancouver has lost just 71 man games lost to injury, seventh fewest in the league through Jan. 8.

Benning had a few other things in his interview of note. The Utica Comets won’t be playing their games out of Rogers Arena any time soon, as Benning said they still have another year on the lease with their AHL club. Benning also commended the job Travis Green has done with the Comets, who currently sit second in the Western Conference with 49 points in 34 games.