Canucks extend contract of GM Jim Benning

Rudi Schuller

Canucks extend contract of GM Jim Benning image

Jim Benning is staying in Vancouver beyond the 2019-20 season.

The Canucks general manager has been handed a three-year contract extension, as announced by team owner Francesco Aquilini on Tuesday.

"It's great that Jim has agreed to continue his work as general manager," Aquilini said in a statement. "His experience, relationships, and hockey knowledge are invaluable. We're committed to building a winning team and getting back among the NHL elite for the long term. There are no shortcuts, but we've embarked on a path to get there, and I have confidence in Jim's ability to see it through."

The extension was first reported Aug. 16 by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, who noted that Benning was set to enter the final season of his previous deal prior to the extension.

This is the second extension Benning has signed with the club, as he inked a renewal near the end of his original deal in February 2018.

The 56-year-old joined the Canucks as GM in May 2014 following stints in the front offices of the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres. Vancouver reached the playoffs in Benning's first season with the team but has missed the postseason in the four seasons that followed. In total, the Canucks have amassed a 175-186-49 record over five seasons under Benning's leadership.

NHL free agency tracker: Full list of signings, best available players

An Edmonton native, Benning's biggest impact on the Canucks thus far has been overseeing the team's transition from older stars like Ryan Kesler and Swedish twins Henrik and Daniel Sedin to current up-and-comers Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes. A period of adjustment between the two eras was to be expected, and Benning has received the stamp of approval through his extension from Canucks ownership to continue the rebuild started under his watch.

"Jim and his group brought in some valuable additions who strengthen our team and give us needed depth," Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini wrote in an open letter to season ticket holders in April. "And they signed some young prospects we think will help us down the line. I’m confident we’re on the right path. Do I wish we were further along? Of course. But I recognize it’s a long process, it requires patience, there are no shortcuts.”

Benning played 610 games in the NHL prior to becoming an executive, including four seasons with the Canucks.

Editor's note: This story was originally published Aug. 16.

Rudi Schuller