WWYDW(SE): What about Matt Benning?

There was hope after that nice rookie season that Benning could take another step forward and turn into that much-coveted top-four, right-handed defenceman, but that hasn’t happened. Whenever Benning has been moved up the depth chart to take on more minutes or to face more difficult competition, he’s struggled with the task.

That isn’t a knock on Benning. He just is what he is — a thoroughly solid, two-way, third-pairing defenceman.

Throughout the entirety of Benning’s NHL career, he’s managed to outscore his opponents when he’s on the ice. Most recently, in 2019-20, he had the second-best goal differential at even-strength on the Oilers (23-to-16) behind only Kailer Yamamoto. For his career, he owns an impressive 158-to-129 goal differential.

Benning needs to be qualified at $2 million. I don’t see that happening so either he signs at a lower salary, gets traded or tests the market. I like Benning more than most. He is a smart player, a good passer, has a great shot and is the best open ice hitter on the team. His foot speed is a challenge at times, but he takes good angles and rarely do we see him get blown by. However, with Evan Bouchard likely to the third pairing right defender, I’m not sure where Benning fits.

Ideally, Holland is able to trade him for something, rather than let him walk as a free agent. I think Benning will have value because teams are always looking for right shot defenders, and on a team that was outscored 511-450 (-61) over the past three seasons at 5×5, Benning managed to be +19 (116-97). I see him as a solid third pairing defender, who could help out a PP if given the opportunity.