Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in trading recently acquired former San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Benning.
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The Sharks acquired Timothy Liljegren from the Maple Leafs in exchange for Benning and two draft picks. Friedman mentioned in his Nov. 1 podcast of 32 Thoughts that Toronto is interested in moving Benning because other players are returning from injury.
“I think it’s very possible that the Leafs will try to flip Benning,” Friedman said. “Right now, with their full roster, somebody is going to have to get moved.”
On his weekly Saturday Headlines, Friedman said the Maple Leafs believe Benning is an NHL-caliber defenseman; he just doesn’t fit into their plans.
“They have roster crunches they are going to have to deal with when everyone gets healthy,” Friedman said. “They have let it be known that they want to do right by Benning. He’s a guy who is an NHL player. He’s more than capable of playing on a roster. They are trying to do what’s best for him. Teams know he’s available.”
Benning carries a $1.25 million cap hit through the 2025-26 season. With a cheap cap hit and an extra year of term after this season, Benning could be an attractive option for a playoff-contending team to add depth to their blue line.
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