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Benning doesn’t think Ryan Miller is too old

Calgary Flames v Vancouver Canucks - Game Five

Calgary Flames v Vancouver Canucks - Game Five

Jim Benning still has faith in 35-year-old Ryan Miller.

“These top-flight goalies, they can play to 40 years old,” the Canucks’ GM told TSN’s Bob McKenzie. “Some people look at his age, but I think he’s going to be real good for us this year.”

Benning better hope so, given he had the opportunity to trade Miller this offseason, but chose to deal Eddie Lack instead. As we saw this summer, it wasn’t a popular decision with fans.

Miller had a .911 save percentage last season, below the league average (.915). And in 2015-16, only a handful of NHL goalies will be older than the 2010 Vezina Trophy recipient.

On top of the scrutiny that will be on Miller, the Canucks’ backup will be Jacob Markstrom, a 25-year-old who’s been excellent in the AHL, but has yet to prove he can play in the NHL.

Benning would like to see Markstrom start 25 to 30 games this season.

“We’re excited about Jacob,” said Benning. “I think he’s worked hard. He deserves the opportunity. So we’ll see where it goes.”

Related: Benning trying to figure where Markstrom ‘fits in’