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Canucks: 5 questions that remain unanswered this season

By Brayden Ursel

Mar 17, 2021; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; The Vancouver Canucks celebrate their win against the Ottawa Senators in a shootout at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2021; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; The Vancouver Canucks celebrate their win against the Ottawa Senators in a shootout at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /
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Vancouver Canucks’ Jake Virtanen. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
Vancouver Canucks’ Jake Virtanen. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /

Will Jim Benning make a splash at the Trade Deadline?

When it comes to reeling in a big fish or selling high at the NHL Trade Deadline, Canucks’ general manager, Jim Benning, hasn’t had the best of luck. Quite honestly, he’s been overly quiet on that front for several years. But what about now? Does Benning have the guts to make a big move?

The answer may be “yes”, but the real question is whether or not there happens to be a buyer out there who is ready to cough up a pretty penny for a playoff rental. Players that fit that mould would be Tanner Pearson, Alex Edler or potentially J.T. Miller.

Pearson would be the one most likely to be dealt, but with rumours swirling that the Canucks want to sign him to an extension, Benning might not have the pieces worth moving to find a decent return. What he needs to focus on is trying to ship out a player who is dropping in value, but still has a contract in Vancouver for next year.

He might have to add a sweetener to the pot to make it work for both sides, but if Benning can move out a player like Jay Beagle or Antoine Roussel, it might be worth it. It’ll be interesting to see what Benning does at the TDL, but if I was a betting man I’d say fans are in for another letdown.

Will the Canucks make the playoffs?

At this point… probably not…

Seriously though. As much as I would like to say that the Canucks will make the playoffs, the answer remains unlikely. Mathematically, the numbers just don’t add up in their favour. Not to say it’s impossible, but it’s pretty close to it.

Placed in sixth inside a seven-team North division, Vancouver is still four points back of the Montreal Canadiens for the fourth and final playoff spot. That’s only two wins, but in reality, the Canadiens still have five games in hand. It’s a steep mountain to climb, but not impossible.

Next. Canucks: Alex Kerfoot is the perfect trade target. dark

What do you think Canucks Nation? What unanswered Canucks questions keep you up at night?

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