‘Twas the first day of free agency… and the Canucks were making moves!
It’s not every day you hear one of the Benn brothers is returning to beautiful British Columbia – and not just for the off-season, either.
The Vancouver Canucks were proud to announce the official signing of Jordie Benn this morning to a two-year, $4 million contract; the 31-year-old defenceman was a free agent and most recently played parts of the last three seasons with the Montreal Canadiens.
Though the “less famous” of the two, Jordie played some of six seasons alongside his brother, Dallas Stars superstar Jamie Benn.
Both Benn brothers originally hail from hometown Central Saanich, and grew up playing for local hockey club the Victoria Grizzlies.
Jordie Benn ranked third among Canadiens defencemen in scoring in the 2018-19 season, registering 22 points (5-17-22) in 81 games played. His goals, points and games played were all career-highs while his 17 assists tied a previous career-high he set in 2013-14 with the Dallas Stars.
“Jordie is an experienced defenceman who brings leadership and versatility to our team,” says Canucks General Manager Jim Benning. “His steady presence will be an example and support to our young players.”
Vancouver has been busy thus far in free agency, as this announcement came on the heels of signing another defenceman, Tyler Myers, to a 5-year $30 million contract – Myers hails from the Winnipeg Jets.
All of this makes for a very different looking core group next season, as the Canucks also bid farewell to Markus Granlund, Derrick Pouliot, Luke Schenn, and Brendan Gaunce on top of their acquisitions today.
Victoria's Jordie Benn is very, very, very happy to be coming home. ???? pic.twitter.com/2bgZlRWQ05
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) July 1, 2019
