The Fifth Liners

This week, the long standing rumours of the Vancouver Canucks trading centre Ryan Kesler finally came true as he was traded along  to the Anaheim Ducks for Nick Bonino , Luca Sbisa and a first and third round draft pick at the 2014 NHL draft. Kesler has long been rumored to want out of British Columbia and now finally it appears he has his wish. But at what cost will this come to the Canucks? Positives of Trading Kesler Has suffered with injuries the last two seasons which has affected his game time and made him unable to make a full effect on ice and his scoring numbers have gone have reduced dramatically. Bonino last season bagged 49 points in the regular season alone, six more than Kesler and was one of the stand outs on the Ducks lower lines.  Draws media attention away from the team and could potentially create more harmony in the dressing room. All through last season we saw Kesler sulking his way through and he has never far from the trade rumour mill. New GM J...

It's all change in British Columbia this week as today it was announced that Jim Benning has been appointed the new General Manager of the Vancouver Canucks , replacing Mike Gillis who was fired previously. Benning has been the Assistant GM of the Boston Bruin since 2006, but is this man the right choice to lead this team into a new age? Here are some points for consideration Positives Brings a Stanley Cup win with the Bruins in 2011  Proven track record in the front office Also spent 12 year with the Buffalo Sabres Former Canucks defenseman from 1986-90, so at least knows what fans will expect of him  Is a younger candidate who may be able to come up with fresher ideas unlike Gillis who really made a mess of affairs in his time in office.  Negatives  First real position of authority  Unknown if he is able to handle the big time pressure  Is un-tested in the trade game so we are unsure if he will be able to pull off any major coups to better ...