from Iain MacIntyre of Sportsnet,

Vancouver general manager Jim Benning, not typically prone to displays of ebullience, could barely contain his glee.

"I’m so happy and so excited for our fans that he was there because he’s a dynamic skater and can run a power play," Benning said. "With all the skilled forwards we have coming and our young goalies, this is really exciting. He’s such a skilled, exciting, dynamic player.

"He’s going to fit perfectly with the style of game we want to play because he can get back, get the puck and beat the first forechecker with speed. He can transition the puck up ice either by skating or making a good play. And he plays fast.

"Some luck came our way this year. We had a good day today."

The Canucks need a skilled, fast, offensive defenceman like the polar ice cap needs a cold spell. Vancouver’s last elite power-play quarterback was Paul Reinhart, who retired in 1990.

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