Canucks: Should Jim Benning make a pitch for Vince Dunn?

It’s no secret that the Vancouver Canucks are struggling on defence. In fact, the back end has been the weak link in their lineup for years and even with three fresh faces taking spots, Nate Schmidt, Travis Hamonic and Olli Juolevi haven’t been enough.

Sure, it could be considered a chemistry issue after a shortened training camp and no preseason games, but whatever the case may be, time is already running out and at some point, it’s Jim Benning’s job as general manager to come up with a way to fill the void left by Chris Tanev and Troy Stecher.

Now I’m not saying that Travis Green can’t get the new guys going in the right direction, but I am saying that it never hurts to keep your eyes open for a better fit, especially in a condensed season where each game matters that much more.

Right now, the St. Louis Blues are a team that’s sitting pretty in terms of depth on defence and the Canucks should consider taking a big swing at landing one of their defencemen. In particular, Vince Dunn could be the perfect target.

The 24-year-old blueliner was drafted 56th overall by the Blues in 2015 and he’s already enjoyed three NHL seasons with at least 71 games played. With 84 points through 230 NHL games you know he’s offensively skilled but because of how deep St Louis is on defence, he’s fallen out of favour and out of the lineup as a healthy scratch.

The Canucks don’t have a plethora of trade chips to consider sending back the other way, but if Benning were serious about picking up the phone and making an offer then he has Jake Virtanen in his back pocket.

As Benning’s first selection as the Canucks’ GM, the 24-year-old local has been a six-year work in progress. He’s shown signs of being a true top-six forward who can crash and bang, but it’s never been on full display.

After a disappointing post-season that was followed by a lack of production early on in 2021, maybe it’s time for Benning to cut Virtanen loose. He’s had his chance in Vancouver and he could make for an excellent fit in St. Louis.

Now I am not saying this is what should happen, but this deal does make sense for both sides in more ways than one. The Canucks would get a young and up-and-coming defender while the Blues would get a big-body forward who would mesh well with the team’s system.

That’s just one trade option for the Canucks, but it’s a trade offer that makes sense! What do you think Canucks Nation? Should Benning make an offer for Dunn? What would you offer the St. Louis Blues?