Under-the-Radar Veteran Defenseman Fighting for Maple Leafs Roster Spot
Photo credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Matt Benning is fighting for a spot on the Leafs roster after a season spent in the minors.
Matt Benning is one of the many players in the Leafs organization pressing for a spot on the big team this season, and the veteran is banking on his experience to get him another chance at the highest level.
Benning, 31, was acquired by Toronto early last season from the San Jose Sharks in a deal that sent Timothy Liljegren the other way.
Like Liljegren, Benning has struggled to break into the Leafs roster, and didn't appear in a game for Toronto last season, limited to just seven games in San Jose, and with Toronto having played 39 games in the AHL for the Marlies.
This season, Benning will be auditioning for another chance to get action with Toronto, and will be banking on his experience as an NHLer to help boost his chances.
Benning has played in 464 career NHL games across nine seasons with three teams, and at 31 still has some youthfulness left that could make him a potential option to be called up and play in the NHL, even if just as an injury replacement.
What Matt Benning Brings to the Blue Line
Matt Benning is a defenseman who's capable at both ends of the ice and has shown himself as able to be a playmaker when he's given the opportunity to move the puck.
Benning is a veteran defenseman who offers a replacement level value as a potential third-pairing or seventh defenseman on an NHL roster.
As a right-handed defenseman, Benning also offers some depth on the Leafs right side and one that has the advantage of NHL experience.
The reserve role at RHD last season for Toronto was filled by Philippe Myers, although Benning will be looking to push himself ahead of Myers on the depth chart with his play.
Why It Matters for Toronto's Depth
With a Marlies defensive core that has been largely consisting of younger, less experienced players, options like Myers and Benning provide both veteran backups to the Leafs, and potentially mentors in the Marlies.
The right-side is largely guaranteed for Toronto to consist of last season's playoff group, Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, & Brandon Carlo, with Morgan Rielly and Jake McCabe on the left side.
Simon Benoit is likely to get the third pairing spot, but will face competition from offseason acquisition Henry Thrun, with the battle between Benoit and Thrun the one open roster fight on the Leafs blueline.
Like Benning, Thrun was on the Sharks last season, and at 24 has two seasons of full-time NHL experience to wage a potential challenge for a spot on the roster, although he'll have to prove himself as able to be a consistent option for Toronto.
Matt Benning is going to hope his NHL door isn't closed, and still has something to give with the goal of continuing his NHL career and appearing in action as a Toronto Maple Leaf.
