Bruins' Cam Neely, Peter Chiarelli issue statements after Jim Benning named Canucks' new GM

With former assistant general manager Jim Benning on his way to Vancouver to be named the Canucks' GM Friday, Boston Bruins president Cam Neely and GM Peter Chiarelli issued statements via the team's official website. 

Chiarelli's comments are particularly noteworthy:

Jim was a valuable member of our organization, whose experience, work ethic and hockey acumen was greatly appreciated in the course of his time here. We wish him the best of luck in his new position. Jim will have no further obligations to the Bruins effective immediately. We will look internally and externally to replace that position.

As such, the Bruins are allowing Benning to leave outright prior to the entry draft in June, a courtesy that Chiarelli was not afforded by the Ottawa Senators in 2006 upon being hired by Boston. 

The current Bruins GM was hired in May of that year, but was not permitted to assume the role until after the draft.

Neely added "Our organization is appreciative of the contributions he made and we wish him and his family the best in their new endeavor in Vancouver."