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Vancouver Canucks: An overlooked aspect of Jim Benning’s tenure

By Rick Warman

VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 28: Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning speaks to the media after a game between against the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings. Benning was discussing the recent trades of Vancouver Canucks Left Wing Alexandre Burrows (14) and Vancouver Canucks Right Wing Jannik Hansen (36). February 28, 2017, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC. (Photo by Bob Frid/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 28: Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning speaks to the media after a game between against the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings. Benning was discussing the recent trades of Vancouver Canucks Left Wing Alexandre Burrows (14) and Vancouver Canucks Right Wing Jannik Hansen (36). February 28, 2017, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC. (Photo by Bob Frid/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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General Manager Jim Benning has used free agent signings from the collegiate and major junior levels to address depth issues within the organization.

Much has been discussed when it comes to the job Jim Benning has done in his time as general manager of the Vancouver Canucks. Many question his July 1 free agency signings, controversial trades and the current cap crunch the team is facing.

The majority of fans express extreme confidence in his ability on the draft floor. However, very little has been spoken regarding free agent signings from the major junior and college ranks.

Although none of these signings have been earth shattering, they have greatly enhanced the depth within the Vancouver organization. Let’s look at some of those signings and where those players are in their development.

Troy Stecher

Troy Stecher was signed in April 2016, following his junior year at the University of North Dakota. Stecher was born in Richmond, British Columbia and grew up watching the Canucks, dreaming of one day suiting up for his hometown team. Prior to attending UND, he played three seasons in the BCHL with the Penticton Vees.

Over the course of his three seasons with the Canucks, Stecher has developed into a steady, reliable defenceman. Last season he led all Canucks blueliner in games played and plus/minus (plus-nine), while finishing second in points (23). With the addition of Tyler Myers, I would expect Stecher to drop a spot on the depth chart. However, he will still be counted on heavily to play significant minutes on the Canucks blueline.

Zack MacEwen

The second signing of significance came on March 3, 2017 when the Canucks inked Zack MacEwen to a three year entry-level contract. MacEwen was playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Gatineau Olympiques as a 20-year-old at the time. Some felt that this was a waste of a contract space. MacEwen by his own admission was somewhat of a late bloomer. The Canucks however, saw something in his game that they liked.

This past season season with the Utica Comets, MacEwen was able to notch 22 goals. He had a brief taste of NHL action, seeing four games with the Canucks late in the season. His progression has him on the horizon of cracking the Canucks lineup. MacEwen offers a nice blend of size, physicality and skill.

Jalen Chatfield and Mitch Eliot

Ten days after the MacEwen signing, the Canucks went back to the junior ranks to grab another free agent.

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This time it was from the Ontario Hockey League and the Windsor Spitfires. They signed defenceman Jalen Chatfield to a three-year ELC. Chatfield was a teammate of fellow Canucks prospect Michael DiPietro on the Spitfires Memorial Cup winning team in 2017.

Chatfield has spent the past two seasons with the Comets and has been one of their steadier defencemen, when healthy. Due to injury he appeared in only 34 games in 2018-2019.

He received a call-up to the Canucks in November last season but did not see any game action. At this time in his development, Chatfield remains a right-side depth option should the Canucks suffer a multitude of injuries on the back end.

In Dec. 2018, Benning signed yet another 20-year-old right-handed UFA defenceman from the OHL. Mitch Eliot was signed to a three-year ELC from the Sarnia Sting. Eliot plays a solid two-way game and has a physical element to his game. He is expected to make his pro debut with the Comets this fall.

Josh Teves and Brogan Rafferty

In the spring of 2019, the Canucks went back to the NCAA to sign defenceman Josh Teves to a one-year deal. Teves had a distinguished four-year collegiate career at Princeton University. He appeared in one game for the Vancouver Canucks late last season. He will in all likelihood be suiting up for the Comets for the 2018-2019 season.

Benning was able to secure another solid RHD option with the signing of Brogan Rafferty from Quinnipiac  University. Canucks management had been following Rafferty for quite some time and had attempted to sign him a year prior. Rafferty appeared in two games for the Canucks last season showing great promise. He too, is likely to start the season in Utica.

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One would not expect all of the signings to prove fruitful. However, if even a couple of these prospects go on to prominent NHL careers, or at least provide depth when needed, they will be considered rewarding. All of these prospects were acquired without having to relinquish an asset or draft choice.

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