2. No aggressive buying at the deadline or in free agency
The Canucks have surpassed expectations up to this point of the season, but it doesn’t mean they should think about buying at the trade deadline. Unfortunately, it sounds like ownership wants Jim Benning to do just that.
Shannon on Canuck trade rumors : Edler doesn't want to be moved. He has already said no to a trade and I imagine he would do it again. The Aquilinis will push Benning hard to make the playoffs with how this team is playing.
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) December 21, 2018
This is not the time for the Canucks to sacrifice young assets and draft picks in order to boost their playoff chances. Let’s be honest, this team wouldn’t win a playoff series if they managed to squeak in.
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Vancouver lacks secondary scoring and reliable defencemen. Their power play and penalty killing units leave plenty to be desired.
As good as Jacob Markstrom has played, he’s not going to steal you a playoff series against a superior team.
So please, Mr. Benning, do not decide that it’s time to go all-in after finally sticking to your rebuilding project. If you want to make the playoffs, simply stick with this group you have and hope for the best.
And hey, if you want to find some bargains in free agency, I’m all for it. But please, do not go throwing around four-to-six year deals to fading veterans.
The Loui Eriksson contract backfired miserably. Jay Beagle and Antoine Roussel have played well, but the terms on their deals are still worrisome.
Benning cannot go back to his aggressive buying at the trade deadline, and he better not think about throwing out $30-plus million to a single player in free agency. Let’s hope, for the sake of this rebuild, ownership lets Benning avoid the moves that set them back even more.