The Toronto Maple Leafs have positioned defenseman Matt Benning on waivers, per Chris Johnston of The Athletic. Benning, 30, arrived in Toronto within the Timothy Liljegren commerce with the San Jose Sharks in late October. He has but to make his Maple Leafs debut. Now, he faces an unsure path, with waivers probably deciding his subsequent transfer.
The Leafs have instructed Benning they wish to enable him to play and “do proper” by the defenseman. It’s not going to be with the primary group, and if nobody is making a commerce, maybe taking part in within the AHL till one thing could be labored out is greatest.
Did the Maple Discover Buying and selling Benning First?
The Maple Leafs probably explored buying and selling him first. Nonetheless, if he clears waivers, a plan might already be in place. On this state of affairs, the opposite group may desire him to be within the minors. That might enable them to bypass waivers. Nonetheless, given Benning’s expertise and skill, there’s a great likelihood he’ll be claimed by one other NHL group on the lookout for depth on protection.
Ought to Benning clear, he’ll probably report back to the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate. That’s, no less than in the interim. As an skilled NHL defenseman, there’s probably a spot for him to fill an harm someplace. One group that has been linked to him is the New York Islanders. Nonetheless, that’s merely hypothesis right now.
What in the end occurs with Benning isn’t clear. He’s most likely not going to be in excessive demand, however a group may take a flyer on him serving to in a depth position.
Associated: Simon Benoit Makes Case on a Crowded Maple Leafs’ Blue Line
