Jim Benning

Lore & Background

Benning played junior hockey for the Fort Saskatchewan Traders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League and the Portland Winter Hawks of the Western Hockey League. In 1980–81 with the Winter Hawks, he set league records for most consecutive games with an assist (30) and with a point (45) while compiling 28 goals and a league-leading 111 assists (also a league record for defencemen) for 139 points and being named the league's top defenceman. NHL Central Scouting Bureau ranked him the second-best North American draft-eligible prospect behind Dale Hawerchuk. Maple Leafs scout Johnny Bower recommended him, and general manager Punch Imlach wanted a defenceman due to the organization's lack of prospect defencemen.

Benning joined the Maple Leafs for the 1981–82 season. After a difficult season, coach Mike Nykoluk questioned the influx of prospects. Though Benning's puck-handling skills gave him security, critics wanted greater physicality. Some analysts believed he was rushed into the NHL, resulting in lost confidence. In his third year, he had a breakout season with 51 points. By 1985–86, he was a crucial member of the defence corps, paired often with Al Iafrate, and became the team's leading point-scorer among defencemen in 1983–84 and 1984–85. He tore right-knee ligaments in a collision with a St. Louis Blues player, missing eight weeks. The 1985–86 season was his option year; he expressed uncertainty about the Leafs' interest in retaining him. New coach John Brophy wanted larger defencemen who fought. One month into 1986–87, Benning was demoted to the Newmarket Saints of the AHL. On December 2, 1986, he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks along with Dan Hodgson for Rick Lanz.

Benning spent four seasons with the Canucks, scoring 12 goals and 70 points despite injuries. His style was described as 'effective but rarely conspicuous' and more conservative. Early in 1989–90, he was considered one of the Canucks' best performers in Paul Reinhart's absence, but coach Bob McCammon found greater success without him. After nine consecutive scratches, the team requested his demotion to the Milwaukee Admirals, which he declined. He was asked to rejoin after an injury to Harold Snepsts, had a three-point game, but was scratched for the remainder of the season due to the belief he was too small. After the 1989–90 season, he signed a termination contract. He was reassigned to the Admirals the following season, then played 18 games for HC Varese of Serie A. He was invited to the Tampa Bay Lightning's inaugural training camp in 1992 but was among the final cuts and retired.

Reader's Guide

Benning's playing career is notable for his early WHL records and being a first-round pick of the Maple Leafs, though his NHL tenure was marked by inconsistency and questions about whether he was rushed. As an offensive defenceman, he led Leafs defencemen in scoring for two seasons but struggled with injuries and a perceived lack of physicality. His trade to Vancouver began a four-year stint where he became a more conservative player, though he was frequently scratched and eventually demoted. After retiring, Benning transitioned to an executive role, serving as an amateur scout for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, then as a scout and director of amateur scouting for the Buffalo Sabres. He became assistant general manager of the Boston Bruins and was included on the Stanley Cup after their 2011 championship. He was introduced as general manager of the Vancouver Canucks on May 23, 2014. His tenure included firing coach John Tortorella, trading Ryan Kesler, signing Ryan Miller, and acquiring several players. The NHL fined the Canucks $50,000 in 2016 for tampering after Benning made inappropriate comments about P. K. Subban and Steven Stamkos. After Trevor Linden stepped down in 2018, Benning assumed his duties until a new president was named. He received a three-year contract extension in August 2019. On December 5, 2021, Benning was fired as general manager along with head coach Travis Green after a home loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins; the Canucks qualified for the playoffs only twice in his eight seasons.

Did You Know?

• He was drafted sixth overall in 1981 by the Toronto Maple Leafs, ranked second-best North American prospect behind Dale Hawerchuk.
• Benning was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on December 2, 1986, along with Dan Hodgson for Rick Lanz.
• He was included on the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins after their 2011 championship.