The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired defenseman Matt Benning, along with a 2025 third-round draft pick and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Timothy Liljegren.
Under new head coach Craig Berube, the Maple Leafs did not utilize Liljegren, who played only one game this season and was a healthy scratch for the rest. Hopefully, he will find success with the Sharks. Benning is the sole player the Leafs received in the trade involving Timothy Liljegren on October 30. While the return is less than some fans expected, the Leafs missed the opportunity to boost Liljegren’s trade value by not playing him more.
This trade was reportedly necessary due to Jani Hakanpaa and Connor Dewar nearing their return from long-term injured reserve. The third-round pick acquired by the Leafs will be the earlier of San Jose’s two picks, which previously belonged to the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche. Before this trade, the Leafs did not have any first, third, or fourth-round picks in the 2025 draft, and it’s likely they won’t keep this pick. General manager Brad Treliving is expected to use it as a trade asset before or during the NHL trade deadline to enhance the team ahead of the playoffs. What does Matt Benning bring to the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Benning, a 30-year-old right-shot defenseman who stands 6’1″ and weighs 203 pounds, is known for his defensive skills, including physicality and shot blocking.
He carries a salary of $1.25 million, compared to Liljegren’s $3 million, thus providing the Leafs with $1.75 million in cap space savings until 2026. Benning might see some ice time with the Leafs until Hakanpaa officially returns from LTIR, but it’s likely he will spend time in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies if a trade doesn’t happen soon, as many anticipate. His future with the team will depend on whether Berube prefers him over Conor Timmins or Simon Benoit. While not expected to be a regular defenseman, Benning can step in as needed to contribute a physical, defensive style of play.
So far this season, he has recorded zero points, nine hits, and ten blocked shots in seven games. Additionally, for those unaware, Benning has family connections to the Maple Leafs organization. His uncle, Jim Benning, played parts of six seasons with the team from 1981 to 1986 before being traded to the Vancouver Canucks. Jim Benning later became the general manager of the Canucks in 2014 and served in that role until 2021, eventually becoming their president.
Leave a Reply