There's even an additional manure line IF the genius Benning manages to do his #1 priority and sign the two future stars, which he should've done 6 months ago minimum. Even if Pettersson is signed at this point, the risk he struggles is big. He's out of the gates from the Corona seasons, was injured half last season and hasn't played in a competitive game in a long, long time. To then miss the crucial camp and important practice with the team because the GM is incompetent, icing on the cake.
Hughes is in a similar situation but he played through last season at least. I'm not entirely sure that's positive for him with how team morale plummeted.
But physically and mentally to get into the race, Hughes will probably struggle 1/4 of the season and Pettersson half. They will most probably suck in some games unless they're unreal. That's just an estimation. Great job Benning! Just great job! What a leader!
I started keeping a stark eye on the Canucks with the mindset that Benning was a below average GM. That quickly grew from disbelief into pure anger. Now I just have pure contempt for him as a GM. Nothing personal, I'm sure he's a great person, but he sucks at doing this job. He's absolutely terrible.
GMs and coaches are like modern politicians and journalists. They all just aim at staying mediocre and protect their guild, so all can get their slice of the pie. Especially GMs. No NHL entertainment franchise dares to scout the European market. I guarantee you there are 5 hockey coaches who would instantly make an impact in the NHL, but here we are. Some Finnish, Swedish and Swiss additions. All speak fluent English but naaw, they're not North American, they don't "understand the game". Have we ever heard that one before? As for the GMs in the NHL, a monkey with a tie is enough when the owners are decadent monkeys with too much money to spend on a stupid hobby.