Context: Jim Benning made the offseason relatively funny for everyone besides Vancouver Canucks fans.

After making it to the second round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Canucks “ran out of time” to re-sign some key stars losing Jakob Markstrom, Chris Tanev, Tyler Toffoli, and Josh Leivo to free agency. Not ideal to have that many names walk away from an organization without recouping any assets, but stranger things have happened. That was until the Calgary Flames signed three of them, leading to the creation of the Calgary Canucks meme.

That was a couple of months back, and the Canucks have gone through their waves of adversity because of it. And with Benning claiming a pair of depth players from us, the Vancouver Leafs are the budding meme ready for flowering.

It makes you think: who is going to be next?

Per CapFriendly, Alexander Barabanov, Nick Robertson, Timothy Liljegren and newly brought up goaltender Ian Scott are all exempt from waivers. Will it be Nic Petan? Pierre Engvall? Jason Spez-oh-never mind...

Who knows, but it’s clear Jim Benning, and the Canucks have an eye on our depth. At this rate, not even Manny the Practice Mannequin is safe.

In Case You Missed It

How different are the Maple Leafs from last year’s team? - Pension Plan Puppets
Roster changes, and a full year with one coach have made the Leafs over into something very familiar.

Marlies Monday: Jeremy McKenna scores first two AHL goals as Toronto gets swept by Belleville - Pension Plan Puppets
The young winger shone despite team’s tough weekend in Ottawa.

Maple Leafs forward Travis Boyd claimed on Waivers by Vancouver (of course) - Pension Plan Puppets
The Canucks continue to fill their roster with ex-Leafs. They should see if they can get Josh Leivo back too.

Goalie shuffle at Maple Leafs practice, as Ian Scott appears - Pension Plan Puppets
A wild Ian Scott appears.

Around the Hockey World

*plays “Mad World”*

14 straight losses...

Early success for AHL’s Chicago Wolves driven by youth movement - Canes Country
About a third of the way through the season, the Chicago Wolves stand at the top of their division.

Wild GM Guerin: ‘I’m not afraid to ruffle some feathers’ - Hockey Wilderness
Less than a month before the trade deadline and the Minnesota Wild GM wants to make some noise.

What does Shayne Gostisbehere have to do? - Broad Street Hockey
It’s more than just his handling that’s been a concern.

Jonas Johansson can be Colorado’s reclamation project - Mile High Hockey
The Avalanche will be hoping to unlock the potential scouts saw in Johansson.

From The Branches