Actually they aren't in a sense we acquired a ECHLer & wasted a professional contract slot.
Better for Benning to trade him for another AHLer (where at least the player could maybe be of some use in a callup).
Nothing earth shattering but merely another move in the long list of questionable management moves.
The offer (another AHLer) was never there and that is usually a common Benning defence, but in this case it is backed by the fact he cleared waivers. Detroit has already designed their roster/contracts with important prospects and key veterans whether it is in the NHL/AHL. What's the use of Biega to them?
Detroit wasn't giving him an AHLer when they could have acquired Biega for free on waivers. Benning wanted to give Biega a chance to play on another NHL roster, that's it. Detroit had no interest in Biega, if they did, they'd claim on waivers. It doesn't sound like Detroit was calling Benning with interest for Biega, they have younger defencemen who can be better in a year than Biega.
Nobody wants a 31 year old, most likely #7-8 on a NHL team when they can give that ice-time to younger, potentially better players in the long run. Especially, a rebuilding team like Detroit. This is not a "hockey trade", it's a pure human trade.
I would also say goodwill is value and free agents may consider that signing with Vancouver. I could be reaching, but so are people who are raging over this thread and over analyzing it like they are Bob McKenzie.
Is the fundamental point being that Benning did Biega a solid?
Yeah.
I misread your point, but Rafferty is a legit prospect. He's not old either, mid-twenties is a common age for prospects exiting NCAA.