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And giving up the No. 55 pick for plucking Tortorella would be prudent because if the Jackets slip next season, that second-round pick will be higher. Makes sense, right?

But hang on. There’s a lot of jockeying for trades and favours well in advance of the expansion draft.

All this has stolen some focus from the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo this week, because Vegas Golden Knights general manager George McPhee is open for pre-expansion draft business. He could complete trades and consider offers to not select certain exposed players — such as that second-round Blue Jackets pick — and it could have an entry draft trickle-down effect.

Depending what occurs in the hours before Thursday’s compensation deadline, there’s a chance the Blue Jackets could already have a deal in place with the Golden Knights that may not involve the pick.

If so, the Canucks could land it this year and be in a position to draft a playmaking centre, power-play defenceman and fill another need with three picks in the first two rounds.

“We went through every team in the league for the expansion draft to try and figure out what teams are going to do — and what (unprotected) players are going to be available — so we can see if there’s a fit before or after the expansion draft,” said Benning.

“There are going to be a lot of conversations between now and when the expansion draft happens. I’m getting more calls now from GMs who are getting a feel for what other teams are doing.”