NHL Rumors III: Video and Quotes from Jim Benning’s Press Conference

“I like our core players,” Benning said. “Our core players, I feel, are high-quality people. I’m happy with that part of it.

“We need to get back to what we’re good at. This organization needs to play an uptempo, fast, skating, skilled game.

“We have to do what’s right for the organization. If we feel that we need to approach a player about waiving his no-trade, we’re willing to do that.”

“So, when we talk to our scouting staff, one of our mandates is let’s try to get bigger. Let’s get more rugged. So we can play both styles. So we can play a skilled, skating style when we need. But when it’s a rugged physical game, we can play that style, too.”

“This is what I’m going to do, I come from a scouting background. We’re going to give these guys direction. I’m going to communicate to these guys what we want. What we think a Vancouver player should be.

“I’m going to work with them. I’m going to get out and see games. I’m going to be a part of that group. I’m going to try and make that group better.

“I would like to see a little more physicality on the third and fourth lines. I’m not talking about fighting. I’m talking about between the whistles, getting in on the forecheck, hitting and playing with more grit to take some of the heat off the first two lines.