On the Vancouver Canucks, Ryan Miller, Chris Tanev and Alex Edler …
Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Canucks GM Jim Benning thinks that he can convince UFA goaltender Ryan Miller to re-sign with the team.
Jacob Markstrom’s three-year, $11 million contract kicks in next year and he’s looking to play more than 25 games. There are numerous backup options as Thatcher Demko develops for another season in the AHL.
Benning seems reluctant to trade defensemen Chris Tanev and Alex Edler.
They appear to be going with a small rebuild as moving on from Miller, trading Tanev for a 1st round pick and a prospect, and seeing what Edler could land you is a full rebuild.
“As we’re transitioning these young players into our lineup, I feel that if we have solid goaltending on a night-to-night basis, we can be competitive,” Benning said Thursday during a break in the club’s pro-scouting meetings.
“There’s no worse feeling than trying to develop young players and get them up and going when you know you don’t have a chance to win. Ryan and Jacob have a healthy relationship because they’re competitive and respect each other.”
Miller may be more comfortable in Vancouver than in Anaheim, LA or San Jose. Could get more money from the Canucks – $3 to $4 million per year range – than from other teams.
There are at least six teams that are interested acquiring someone like Tanev – a top-four, right-handed defenseman that can log minutes. Those traits are why Benning wants to keep Tanev.
“I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t listen and see if it (trade) is worth it, but it’s hard to find good defencemen,” said Benning. “Especially defencemen who are mobile and move the puck. I’m not shopping Tanev or bringing his name up in conversations with other GMs. They bring up his name.
“Unless it would make sense for our future, I’m not trading Chris. He means so much to our team. And we’re not looking to do anything with Alex (Edler).”