Spiraling San Jose Sharks Dealt Another Injury Blow

The San Jose Sharks have been dealt yet another blow as defenseman Matt Benning has been placed on the injured reserve list due to an undisclosed injury.

This move follows reports that Benning sustained the injury, likely while blocking a shot during a game against the Washington Capitals.

Matt Benning has been placed on IR

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 31, 2023

Consequently, he was unable to participate in the team's practice on Tuesday.

So far this season, Matt Benning has contributed with just one assist, nine shots on goal, seven hits, and six penalty minutes.

In light of his absence, it is expected that his spot in the lineup will be filled by either Jacob MacDonald or Nikita Okhotyuk, both of whom recently returned from injured reserve on Tuesday.

Over Benning's eight-year career, the 29-year-old has scored 17 goals and 101 total points across 451 games played, as well as a -17 plus/minus rating.

He is a former sixth-round pick by the Boston Bruins in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Photo Credit:  Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports