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Vancouver Canucks Free Agency: Top 5 Defensemen to Target

By David Joun

Apr 7, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Jordie Benn (24) throws a puck into the stands after the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the American Airlines Center. The Stars won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Jordie Benn (24) throws a puck into the stands after the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the American Airlines Center. The Stars won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Jordie Benn (24) throws a puck into the stands after the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the American Airlines Center. The Stars won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

No.5: JORDIE BENN

No, this is not Jamie Benn, but the older brother of the Dallas Stars captain. This veteran defenseman is losing his spot next year to the young guns the Stars have developed, notably Patrik Nemeth and Jamie Oleksiak. Although staying with his star younger brother would be the best course to take for Jordie, there is more to the story.

Height / Weight: 6-foot-2, 200 lbs
Age: 28
2015-16 Stats: 64 GP — 3 Goals — 9 Assists — 12 Points
2015-16 Salary: $0.85 million
Expected UFA Salary: $1.3 million

Jordie Benn is an underrated hard-worker who has the characteristics of the typical “Jim Benning” player. The left-handed shot is a defensive defenseman who should be a decent top-six option for the Canucks.

The biggest reason Jordie makes this list is the fact that he was born in Victoria, British Columbia. He is the one low-budget player that the Canucks could target to bring stability to the top-six, though the Canucks need scoring more than anything.

He is not the flashy offensive guy but is a meat-and-potatoes guy in his own end. Nevertheless, Benn seems to have had flashes of his younger brother’s brilliance:

He can hit, too.

Proposed Pairing
Nikita Tryamkin – Jordie Benn

This is the only pairing that would be possible. If a guy can’t play on the first pairing with Chris Tanev and bump out Alex Edler, he is stuck with the big Russian Tryamkin. This offers Benn a leadership role. Speed and offense will be an issue, however.

Next: No.4: ALEX GOLIGOSKI

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