from Noah Love of the National Post,
What should happen: Benning’s in a tough spot here because the Canucks are somewhere between a playoff team — probably not a contender, though — and a full rebuild. On one hand, they’re amassing a decent collection of prospects, although few of them are NHL ready (Bo Horvat will get a good look in training camp). The aging offensive core of the Sedin twins and Alex Burrows remains. So, too, does a very solid defence. But the team’s goaltenders are outrageously young and inexperienced following the departures of Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider. There’s a lot going on here. My guess is the Aquilinis will push Benning to assemble a contender. That probably means getting a goalie, which isn’t a bad thing because it’s a buyer’s market. Also, the return for Kesler should include a young, NHL-ready or established forward.
What shouldn’t happen: Best not to let the Kesler thing drag out. He’s met with management and teammates and still wants to leave, so that is going to have to be resolved quickly. Having said that, you can’t sell one of the league’s best second line centres for 50 cents on the dollar. Also, not to beat a dead horse, but the Canucks probably shouldn’t go into next season with an Eddie Lack/Jacob Markstrom tandem. There are just too many other options available at a reasonable cost.
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