Veteran defender Matt Benning, who spent four seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, wants to make an NHL co -comeback. On the way to his 10th NHL season, he has lost some steam in terms of making a regular impact, something he hopes to change.
Benning was on an upward route in Edmonton, before he was knocked down a pin when the team took a greater depth, he eventually left the oilers and drew a two -year -old free agent in Nashville. He was later introduced by the San Jose Sharks (2020) to a four -year contract, but was traded in 2022 to the Toronto Maple Leafs from the San Jose Sharks.
Benning still has to play an NHL game for Toronto.
“I still think I’m a NHL defender,” Benning told the media This week. “I didn’t get a chance for a call-up, but their D-core is really good. I don’t blame them. I need a good camp to impress them or another team before the season starts.”
Another contract for another season, this is a big one for Benning. If he does not make the team or take a look at Toronto, this may mean that he falls off the radar for other NHL teams.
If that happens, he must have a big season with the Ahl’s Toronto Marlies. That means it is more than one goal and eight points in 39 games, such as last season. The key to his success can be a clean health letter because injuries have hindered his game in recent years.
Can the Maple Leafs exchange Benning?
The competition for a Maple Leafs schedule spot will be stiff, with six Blueliners from the play-off Squad of last year Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe, Christopher Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Brandon Carlo and Simon Benoit-Returnning, in addition to other veterans and prospects.
Benning’s goal is to make the team or at least prove that he could be a player for another club where the depth on the Blue Line does not create a barrier to come back. If he can prove that he still belongs to the NHL and comes in a team that needs depth defenders, he could perform a role for the 2025-26 season.
For Oilers fans who wonder if there would be a place on the Roster for an old member of the team, it is not likely. The oilers are also deep in defense and if they upgrade, it would be for a stay at home, physical top-four blueliner.
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