Former Maple Leafs Defenceman Heading To Europe To Continue Career

After 12 seasons in the NHL, he had an unsuccessful PTO this fall, and last year was limited to just a dozen games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, so defenceman Jordie Benn has taken his talents to Sweden.

Toronto Maple Leafs' unrestricted free agent (UFA) D Jordie Benn has signed a one-year contract with Brynäs (HockeyAllsvenskan).#LeafsForever

(📷: Kevin Sousa) pic.twitter.com/W13gmGHhnT

— Around The Horn Hockey (@ATHornHockey) October 14, 2023

An unrestricted free agent, Benn was cut loose from his professional tryout contract with the Dallas Stars earlier this week, and he immediately turned to Brynäs IF in the Swedish HockeyAllsvenskan league, whom he had spoken with earlier in the summer. He's signed a one-year deal with them, courtesy of an old friend.

Jordie Benn har talat. Vi ser han snart i Brynäströjan! pic.twitter.com/sgQ0TsfyQ3

— Brynäs IF (@Brynas) October 14, 2023

"Really excited to get to town," said Benn in his message to fans. "Thank Greg Scott for this, we grew up together. Can't wait to see him, can't wait to play with him... Let's go Brynas!"

Scott, like Benn, grew up in Victoria, BC, facing off with and against each other many times as kids. Scott is entering his 5th season as a forward with Brynas.

Benn, 36, spent most of his time with the Toronto organization last season with the Marlies of the AHL. He has 607 NHL games under his belt over a dozen seasons, including stints with the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets and Minnesota Wild in addition to the Leafs. 

Photo: ohn E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports