Canucks: Will Jordie Benn be back in Vancouver next season?

Jordie Benn performed below expectations in his first season playing with the  Vancouver Canucks. Will he manage to lock down a roster spot for next year?

Signing Jordie Benn to a two-year deal last summer seemed like a no-brainer for the Vancouver Canucks. But not even one year later, Benn was finding himself in a suit and tie, often watching hockey from the press box. So, what exactly happened? Can the Victoria native return to form?

At the time of his signing, the team’s back end was in need of some dire changes and the local veteran was a moderately safe option at $2 million dollars a season. His veteran status and hard-nosed style seemed well suited for a lock on the Canucks’ third pairing. Not to mention, his beard made him the perfect real-life representation of Johnny Canuck.

However, after a decent showing in October, Benn started to slide and quickly fell to being the seventh-ranked defender on the team. Sooner than later, Oscar Fantenberg overtook his position in the top-six and by the month of January Benn was sitting in the press box full-time with no signs of returning to the lineup.

He played 44 games for the Canucks this season (so far), but statistically, it was by far his worst year of NHL hockey. His average ice-time of 16:17 this season was the second-lowest of his career and it led to a measly seven-point (one goal, six assists) campaign which was also the lowest of his career. He experienced lows across a wide variety of individual statistics.

But on the contrary, Benn’s ability to play both sides proved to be quite handy at times and the nine-year pro still has a physical edge he can bring to the game. His experience in the NHL has reached over 500 games and he should still have something he can give to the Canucks moving forward.

Next season he’s set to make the second half of his two-year pact with the Canucks, but there’s reason to believe he might not be back. Take into account that he just had his worst season all around, plus the cap situation moving forward is unknown and management will more likely than not need to shred salary.

So what is going to happen with Benn in the end? It’s really anyone’s guess but I’d imagine that Benning will look to move him this offseason. Benning has better options at cheaper prices. But even though Benn didn’t pan out this season in Vancouver, he still carries assets that playoff teams would consider valuable.

He’s the perfect sixth or seventh guy to have on your blueline, but at a $2 million dollar price, the Canucks simply can’t afford a guy of that skill set. If Benning can get anything for him, and I mean anything… he best pull the trigger.