Canucks GM admits Ryan Miller could've been moved: 'There were teams calling'

Jim Benning admitted to fielding calls on Ryan Miller earlier this summer, but instead chose to deal Eddie Lack to the Carolina Hurricanes with a view to promoting Jacob Markstrom to the backup position.

The declaration didn't go over well with the crowd at the Vancouver Canucks' Summer Summit on Thursday, when fans could be heard chanting Lack's name, according to Jason Botchford of The Province.

Up to now, most believed the Canucks didn’t have many options when it came to their goalies. Turns out, they had all the options.

"We could have moved Ryan Miller," Benning revealed matter-of-factly. "There were teams calling on Ryan Miller."

Benning was cut off by boos. Something that happened a couple of times.

He did not waver. He double downed in his belief in Miller, pointing out his high win total this year and reiterated that he wants a veteran as his No. 1 and a young goalie as his backup.

In other words, Markstrom/Lack was never going to be a thing.

Miller, on the books at a cap hit of $6 million for two more seasons, appeared in only 45 games for the Canucks last season, posting a record of 29-15-1 with a save percentage of .911.

The commonly held belief, up until Thursday at least, was that his deal was immovable, necessitating a trade involving Lack or Markstrom.

Not so, said Benning, who didn't endear himself to fans with the admission.