Canucks GM Jim Benning Talks About The Utica Comets
The Utica Comets are getting ready to begin their Western Conference Final match-up against the Grand Rapids Griffins. While they wait, Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning was interviewed by Vancouver Sun columnist Iain MacIntyre. Here are some of the questions as well as Benning’s answers.
Question: What have you seen in Utica?Answer: I’m pleased. We have a good combination of older, experienced players that are high-character players that work really hard. They’ve helped mentor our young kids. And for the most part, all of our young players have really improved over the course of the year. That was an invaluable learning experience last night for the young guys playing in Game 7. And our young guys have been the centrepiece of our winning. Two nights ago, (winger) Sven Baertschi had the puck on a string all night and had eight shots. Last night, Jacob Markstrom was outstanding.
A lot of AHL teams work like this. Having their younger, better prospects being brought up by what amount to be NHL journeymen or career AHLers. Will it work out for the Canucks? So far so good.
On top prospect Jake Virtanen.
Q: And Jake Virtanen, your first-round draft pick last June, made his pro hockey debut at age 18.A: Jake played the last two games. He’s going to bring us speed and physicality (in the NHL). He was getting in on the forecheck and being physical. And when you watch him in practice, the thing you really notice about him is he can shoot the puck. He’s got a fast release and it’s a hard shot.
There’s two sides to this coin. Benning was later asked about fellow top prospect Jared McCann, who has yet to play a game. Now, I get bringing up some of your top junior players up to the AHL for the experience. However, how much experience are you going to get from sitting in the press box the whole time? At least Virtanen has found a way into the lineup, all McCann has gotten so far is extra practice time.
On other prospects.
Q: What other prospects catch your eye?A: Hunter Shinkaruk had a good game last night. Over the year, he has gotten physically stronger. And Alex Grenier, over the course of the year, has improved quite a lot. He’s a big kid and can handle the puck. Brendan Gaunce has gotten better.
I could see the Canucks letting Brad Richardson leaving as a free agent and bringing up Shinkaruk to replace him. Grenier currently leads the Comets in playoff scoring and was third in the regular season. Could he get a chance with the Canucks next year.
On Jacob Markstrom and Eddie Lack.
Q: You told us recently that your management team will make a decision before the draft whether to re-sign or trade backup goalie Eddie Lack. Markstrom’s NHL record is unimpressive. What makes you think he can play for the Canucks if you trade Lack?A: That’s part of why I’m down here now — to get a good look at Jacob Markstrom and see where he fits in. That’s what I’m trying to figure out right now. He showed me a lot last night, playing a real good game (35-save shutout) in a high-pressure situation.
If Markstrom can guide the Comets past the Griffins and onto the Calder Cup Final, he might be the death knell of Lack in Vancouver. Lack really upped his trade value this season with the way he played while Ryan Miller was hurt. If Markstrom can raise the confidence that Benning has in him, the Canucks will look into trading Lack while his value is at an all-time high.
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