According to Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning, "reality has set in," and it's now time for the team to give the younger players on their roster more playing time.

The Canucks sit 12 points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with just 13 games remaining in their season and Benning told the Vancouver Sun on Tuesday the team has to start looking at their future.

“In this last little stretch of games, we’ve got to take a look at some of these young kids and see where they’re at,” Benning said Tuesday.

LeBrun: Canucks need to find out what they have in their kids

TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun says Willie Desjardins needs to get on-board with Jim Benning's plan to play the kids more down the stretch as the Canucks need to see what they have in their young players and what holes they need to fill ahead of next season.

“I thought (Monday) night, Reid Boucher, you could see the powerful shot he’s got and the quick release. With more ice time, I think he’ll get more confidence and will show us the things he’s capable of doing.”

Boucher registered five shots against the Boston Bruins in just over 11 minutes of ice time. The 23-year-old owns three goals and two assists in 26 games this season.

Benning said that he has spoken to head coach Willie Desjardins about the team's philosophy change over the final stretch and Desjardins is "going to be on-board" with the plan.

“I talk to Willie on a day-to-day basis and we talk about (ice time for players),” Benning said. “Up to this point, his focus was to try and compete hard every night and win enough games to challenge for one of those last playoff spots.

“Now that reality has set in, he’s going to be on-board with getting our young kids more ice time.”

Benning told the Sun the Canucks added 26-year-old Drew Shore last week to avoid calling up any more players from the Utica Comets. The Comets are chasing the Toronto Marlies for third in the AHL's North Division. Benning added he believes Jake Virtanen will benefit from remaining with the Comets and playing meaningful games in a playoff push.

The Canucks have 13 players on their roster age 25 or younger.