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Canucks GM says Bieksa’s injury won’t prompt a trade

Vancouver Canucks announce Jim Benning as General Manager

VANCOUVER, BC - MAY 23: Vancouver Canucks new General Manager talks during a press conference at Rogers Arena May 23, 2014 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

NHLI via Getty Images

With Vancouver Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa out indefinitely with a hand injury that requires surgery, some might wonder if the team should explore the trade market. GM Jim Benning is opting to stay put, instead.

Benning said the Canucks are “not going to go out and get anybody” following that injury, noting that Frank Corrado has been impressive in Bieksa’s absence, the Vancouver Sun’s Iain MacIntyre reports.

Corrado, 21, scored Vancouver’s lone goal in a 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. Bieksa, 33, generated nine points in 45 games while averaging 21:16 time on ice per contest.

While Alexander Edler easily leads Canucks defensemen in ice time, Bieksa came in second, so it would seem like a substantial loss on paper.

Either way, Vancouver faces a golden opportunity after the All-Star break. While they face some challenging opponents (and struggling ones, like Minnesota and Buffalo), six straight home games signify a chance to strengthen the Canucks’ position in the Pacific Division and Western Conference in general.

Apparently they feel properly equipped to do so, even without a trade to bolster their defense.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins