Reports: Maple Leafs Could Flip Matt Benning

To say that Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was unenthused about his newest defenseman Matt Benning would be an understatement. Here's what the bench boss had to say about the team acquiring Benning in the trade for Timothy Liljegren:

"We'll chat with him and see where he's at, talk a little bit and then we'll figure it out," said Berube, in an uninterested sort of way.

In fact, Leafs analyst Justin Bourne of the Kyper & Bourne Show on Sportsnet, called it "the funniest clip of the year," as in, it's obvious the coach has no real plans for the 30-year-old veteran with a plus/minus of -52 over the past three+ seasons.

The Leafs still need to make more moves, and rumors are already circulating that Benning could be flipped elsewhere, as the Leafs could certainly use his $1.25 million in cap space, and especially his roster spot, as noted by Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts podcast on Friday.

"I think it's very possible that Toronto will flip Benning... Because right now they're full-rostered and somebody's going to have to get moved".

Darren Dreger on TSN's Insider Trading, echoed the same sentiments.

"I would expect (GM) Brad Treliving is either going to have to place another player on waivers," Dreger said, "(or) perhaps there's a conditioning stint in the American Hockey League that can be applied. Or, the idea of a trade, because Toronto right now is locked in with its 23-man roster... Matt Benning, a veteran defenseman... Treliving could also flip and add an additional asset."

A defenseman who would be much more suited to Berube's taste, Jani Hakanpää, is another step closer to a return, as he and forward Connor Dewar have indeed been assigned to the Marlies in the AHL on an LTIR conditioning loan. Both are eligible to be activated as of Friday, but it might be at least a few days as they work their way into game shape.

As for the newest Leaf (for now, at least), Benning isn't worrying about being dealt again.

Benning on possibility of getting moved, given #Leafs roster: "That's your guys’ job. I don't really look into that. Whatever comes, comes. Got to make it hard on decision-making to keep me here. If I get an opportunity to get in & do well with it, that's all I can control."
— Terry Koshan 🇺🇦 (@koshtorontosun) November 1, 2024

I don't really look into that. Whatever comes, comes. Got to make it hard on decision-making to keep me here. If I get an opportunity to get in & do well with it, that's all I can control."