Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning knows he has to upgrade his blueline this offseason, and the 2019 free agent class will give him plenty of opportunities to do so.
He has to build around 2018 first round pick Quinn Hughes, who has all the makings to be a superstar. Benning will also need to re-sign top blueliner Alexander Edler. He’ll also have to make decisions on Chris Tanev (a UFA next year) and Ben Hutton — a restricted free agent.
It’s hard to envision Benning making a play for Norris Trophy blueliner Erik Karlsson — the top free agent in this year’s class.