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Jim Benning

Jim Benning is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman and executive.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jim Benning is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman and executive. He played nine NHL seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks, and later served as general manager of the Vancouver Canucks. He was drafted sixth overall in 1981 and is known as an offensive defenceman.

Playing career

Benning began his NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs after being drafted in 1981. He later played for the Vancouver Canucks, building a reputation as an offensive defenceman with strong passing ability. He played 610 NHL regular-season games over nine seasons, recording 52 goals and 243 points.

Front-office career

After retiring as a player, Benning moved into scouting and management roles in the NHL. He worked with the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins before becoming general manager of the Vancouver Canucks in 2014, a role he held until 2021.

Junior and early career

Before the NHL, Benning played junior hockey with the Portland Winter Hawks. He produced major offensive numbers as a defenceman and was one of the top-scoring blueliners in the Western Hockey League.

Family

Benning is part of a hockey family. Sources identify his brothers Brian Benning and Mark Benning, and his nephew Matthew Benning.

Key facts

  • Played 610 NHL regular-season games over nine seasons.
  • Recorded 52 goals and 243 points in his NHL career.
  • Was drafted sixth overall by Toronto in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft.
  • Played for Toronto and Vancouver only during his NHL career.
  • Later worked in NHL management, including as Canucks general manager from 2014 to 2021.
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Canadian context

Benning is a Canadian-born former NHL player from Edmonton, Alberta, and he spent part of his playing career with the Vancouver Canucks, one of Canada’s major NHL franchises.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jim Benning?
Jim Benning is a Canadian former NHL defenceman and hockey executive best known for playing for Toronto and Vancouver and later serving as Canucks general manager.
When was Jim Benning born?
He was born on April 29, 1963, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
What teams did Jim Benning play for in the NHL?
He played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks.
How many NHL games did Jim Benning play?
He played 610 NHL regular-season games.
What position did Jim Benning play?
He played defence and was identified as an offensive defenceman.
What did Jim Benning do after playing?
He worked in scouting and team management, including roles with Buffalo, Boston, and Vancouver.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Benning
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, playing career, teams, draft position, retirement year, executive role
  2. Hockey-Reference — https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/benniji01.html
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, height, weight, career statistics, playing position
  3. CBC Sports — https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/jim-benning-introduced-as-canucks-gm-1.2651959
    Supports: Canucks general manager appointment, prior management roles, draft position, NHL playing teams and career totals
  4. Sportsnet — https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/canucks-officially-sign-gm-jim-benning-three-year-extension/
    Supports: Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres front-office experience, Canucks GM role, playing career summary
  5. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/71464/jim-benning
    Supports: Birthplace, nationality, position, height, family members, draft details