I'm not entirely familiar with the flames organization so I dont know the exact inner workings. But to the best of my knowledge, Burke was hired as president of hockey ops.
Brian Burke hired by Flames as president of hockey operations
Flames hire Burke as president of hockey ops - Sportsnet.ca
The point I'm making is that they're going after a high profile hockey executive. There's a clear spot open in the organization and its president of hockey ops. I think Lombardi was being considered for such a position. You said so yourself Lombardi was asked last summer. Linden "parted ways amicably" last summer.
Jason Botchford: Mixed messages on president status add confusion to Canucks’ chaos
Botchford last summer quoted Friedman as Lombardi being a contender for the position.
Does this mean Benning is going to get fired soon?
I dont see him on the hot seat until a new president is here. I still expect Canucks to fill their empty position of a president. I fully expect Benning to be here this September. How long he stays will depend on his new boss. I'm not saying every hockey executive situation is the same as ours but I'm merely stating this is my opinion of what is going to happen.