Connect with us

Edmonton Oilers

Why it’s Unlikely the Edmonton Oilers Will Re-sign Matt Benning

Ever since the trade deadline for the 2019-20 season, there’ve been rumors of a Matt Benning trade. Now, with the regular season virtually over and Benning becoming a restricted free agent on July 1, what are the chances that Benning will be re-signed by the Oilers this summer?

I believe there’s a good case he might be moved this summer – or when the COVID-19 pandemic ends and the NHL hockey world gets back to normal – whatever that normal might be.

Related: Oilers Interested in Re-Signing Both Riley Sheahan and Tyler Ennis

What We Know About Benning

Here’s what we know about Benning’s situation. The Edmonton Oilers have a large number of a scarce commodity – right-handed defensemen. Still, as coveted as right-shot defensemen are, this season Benning – even with his experience – couldn’t find regular minutes on the Oilers’ rearguard. Specifically, he fought for ice-time with Adam Larsson and the young up-and-comer Ethan Bear.

Two things eroded Benning’s minutes. First, he suffered a mid-season concussion that allowed other Oilers’ defensemen to get more ice time. Second, Bear’s rapid emergence was something that was unplanned and took everyone a bit by surprise. Bear simply played himself into a more prominent role, which had the impact of decreasing Benning’s ice time and value to the team.

Then, in a surprising move, Oilers’ general manager Ken Holland traded for veteran defenseman Mike Green at the trade deadline. Although Oilers fans didn’t see much of Green’s impact as a regular piece of the Oilers’ on-ice roster because the season was suspended so quickly after the deadline was completed, we can know one thing pretty much for certain. Unless the Detroit Red Wings were giving Green away or Holland simply had grown to appreciate Green so much when he was the Red Wings’ general manager, Benning isn’t prized by his general manager. He has to have read the writing on the wall.

Benning is a 25-year-old right-shot defenseman. He’s experienced and he was signed to a relatively value-friendly contract at $1.9 million. As such, and especially given a salary-cap situation that’s entirely up-in-the-air, it’s unlikely Benning could expect to demand much more from the Oilers.

However, if the Oilers don’t want him, where might he end up?

There’s a Good Chance Benning Could Land in Toronto

A Benning-to-the-Maple Leafs trade had made the rumor mill prior to the trade deadline, and with both life and the NHL up in the air, I think there’s a good chance Benning might land with the Maple Leafs on a short-term, team-friendly contract. First, as noted, it doesn’t seem the Oilers are that interested in Benning. Second, Benning has the experience and is a right-shot defenseman – and the Maple Leafs need one of those.

Third, Benning might benefit from a short-term contract in Toronto because it’s a good place to be seen by others. He wouldn’t be the first NHL player to try to play himself into a bigger contract in another NHL market after a bus stop with the Blue and White.

Nick Desouza of TheLeafsNation notes that he’d be surprised if Benning-to-Toronto rumors might resurface again during this offseason. He rightly notes that Benning does lots of the little things right.

Benning plays his position well and doesn’t take many risks by jumping into the play too quickly on offense. He’s a good puck mover and could handle some of the onus of moving the puck often reserved solely for Morgan Rielly. Benning also makes simple plays to move the puck out of harm when he’s forechecked.

Although Benning’s only 6-foot, he has a physical edge to his game and his hit total would make him one of the most frequent hitters on the Maple Leafs’ roster. Finally, if the Maple Leafs did acquire Benning, Desouza believes head coach Sheldon Keefe would be able to create an effective lineup. Jake Muzzin and Justin Holl could be the shutdown defensemen, and Benning could be a good partner with Rielly.

Related: Oilers Looking to Add More Draft Picks

The Oilers Have Decisions to Make

What also suggests a possible move would be the fact that the Oilers are stuck having to make decisions. First Chris Russel has a modified no-movement clause. Second, there’s no way the Oilers would move Bear or even give him a lesser role with the team. Third, Evan Bouchard is rising up the organizational depth chart and, although he might not make the 2020-21 Oilers’ roster, he’s not far away.

Finally, it’s possible Holland – who likes veteran players – might sign the 34-year-old Green to a short-term, low budget contract. It’s not out of the question that Green might want another chance at the Stanley Cup, and there are worse teams than the Oilers to hitch your wagon to.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

More News

Discover more from NHL Trade Talk

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading