After Horvat was finished, it was Benning’s turn to talk to the media.
The Canucks GM was asked about a variety of topics, including the team’s schedule.
“We’re gonna have a lot of games in a short period of time but we started the season playing 19 games in 34 nights, so that wasn’t easy,” Benning said. “Everything about this whole year and dealing with COVID and playing through a pandemic has been hard. We’ll just do our best and when we get our players back and they’re healthy, we’ll go from there.”
He also mentioned that team physician Dr. Bovard was constantly communicating with the NHLPA regarding protocols and the schedule.
Jim Benning: We’ve tried to support the players and their families through all of this and get them through all of this. I’m hopeful now that we’re on the other side of this. #Canucks @Sportsnet650
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) April 16, 2021
“These are world-class athletes, and some of them were buckled while dealing with this virus,” Benning said.
He mentioned that the team is in fact dealing with the P1 Variant and there are about three players who just aren’t ready to start skating again.
Jim Benning says there are three #canucks players that still aren't feeling well enough to begin skating and working out after contracting the COVID-19 P.1 variant of concern.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 16, 2021
Benning was also asked about the status of his coaching staff and said that head coach Travis Green hasn’t been on the ice yet so assistants Nolan Baumgartner and Jason King have been in charge of practice. However, he expects Green to be back on the ice on Saturday and behind the bench on Sunday for the game against the Leafs.
Jim Benning says Travis Green hasn’t been on the ice yet. Nolan Baumgartner and Jason King have been running practices. Green is hopeful to be on the ice tomorrow and behind the bench on Sunday. #Canucks @Sportsnet650
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) April 16, 2021
Benning also was asked about the injuries to Jay Beagle and Elias Pettersson. Per Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650, there is no timeline for return for Beagle.
As for Pettersson, he saw a specialist on Wednesday and there is also no timeline for return.
Jim Benning says Elias Pettersson saw a specialist on Wednesday and will continue to rehab. They don’t have a timeline as to when he’s going to be back “if he’s going to be back at all.” #Canucks @Sportsnet650
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) April 16, 2021
Benning also mentioned that the team has a goalie that isn’t 100% ready to play and brought up Michael DiPietro, who hasn’t played a competitive hockey game in over a year. Both Thatcher Demko and Braden Holtby were on the COVID protocol list.
Benning not sure when Michael DiPietro might play again, says they're "taking it day-by-day," but he might play NHL games with #Canucks depending on condition of Demko/Holtby.
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) April 16, 2021
DiPietro hasn't played a competitive game in 401 days.
Other news of note is per Chris Johnston, who said that Jake Virtanen and Nate Schmidt are the remaining players on the protocol list. Lastly, Jack Rathbone was called up on Friday morning, according to Rick Dhaliwal.
What do you think of Horvat’s and Benning’s comments, Canucks fans? Let us know in the comments below!