Former Vancouver Canucks player Jim Benning has agreed to become the NHL team’s new general manager.
The team confirmed the 51-year-old had been hired Wednesday.
Benning, a former Canucks defenceman who spent nine seasons in the NHL with Vancouver and the Toronto Maple Leafs, spent the last eight seasons with the Boston Bruins. He served as the team's assistant general manager for seven.
As an NHL player, Benning spent part of his career in Vancouver. From 1986 to 1990, Benning played in 246 regular season games, recording 15 goals and 55 assists.
He was also a teammate of current Canucks president Trevor Linden for two seasons after Linden was drafted by the Canucks in 1988.
After his hockey career ended, Benning went on to be a scout for the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks.
Canucks team president Trevor Linden parted ways with former general manager Mike Gillis last month after a disappointing season. Head Coach John Tortorella was also fired.
With files from TSN and CTV Vancouver's Kelcey Brade
