Former Oilers defenceman gets traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs

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Finnegan Frost
October 31, 2024 (9:33)

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Breaking news in the NHL as former Edmonton Oilers defenceman Matt Benning gets traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

As per the NHL, Toronto received defenseman Matt Benning, a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The Sharks hold 2025 third-round selections previously held by the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche, and the Maple Leafs will receive the earlier selection as part of this trade.

Selected by the Boston Bruins in the sixth round (No. 175) of the 2012 NHL Draft, Benning signed a two-year, entry level contract as a college free agent with his hometown Edmonton Oilers on Aug. 27, 2016.

After playing two games with Bakersfield of the American Hockey League, Benning was recalled Oct. 21, 2016 and made his NHL debut against the Maple Leafs on Nov. 1

Oddly enough, Benning was traded for disgruntled Maple Leafs defenceman Timothy Liljegren. Liljegren was a player who was circulating heavily in the trade rumour mill for the Oilers, but GM Stan Bowman opted out on pulling the trigger.

Now, Benning finds himself playing in the toughest hockey market in the NHL. Backed by new bench boss Craig Berube, there will be no room for errors by the former Oilers blue-liner. Benning is expected to play on the Maple Leafs third pairing as per Jim Matheson.

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