Matt Benning Bio
Matthew Benning is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 203 pounds, Benning has built a career as a steady, defence-first blueliner over parts of nine professional seasons. He was selected 175th overall in the 2012 NHL entry draft by the Boston Bruins, and has since suited up for the Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators, and San Jose Sharks. Although he never signed with the club that drafted him, he has carved out a long professional career by earning his opportunities through development and perseverance.
Benning comes from one of hockey’s most recognizable families, with multiple relatives having played or worked in the NHL. His path from Junior A hockey in Alberta to NCAA play at Northeastern University, and eventually to the NHL, reflects a patient, step-by-step rise through the professional ranks.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Benning was born on May 25, 1994, in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. He grew up in a household steeped in professional hockey tradition, as the son of former NHL defenceman Brian Benning. Brian Benning was himself born in Edmonton and built a 10-year NHL career that included time with the Edmonton Oilers, the same franchise that would later give his son his first professional opportunity.
From a young age, Benning was exposed to high-level hockey. His father played for the St. Albert Saints of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) decades before, and the family remained closely tied to the Alberta hockey community. This environment helped shape Benning’s early development as a defenceman, giving him a clear understanding of the work required to reach the professional level.
Path to Hockey
Benning’s junior career began in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Spruce Grove Saints, a program historically linked to his father’s playing days. He spent two seasons developing with Spruce Grove before moving on to a one-season stint with the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League (USHL), a top American junior league that helped prepare him for the NCAA ranks.
Following his time in Dubuque, Benning committed to Northeastern University, where he played for the Northeastern Huskies from 2013 to 2016. His three college seasons allowed him to refine his defensive game and adjust to the pace and structure of higher-level hockey. By the end of his NCAA career, he was ready to transition to professional hockey, although the Boston Bruins, who had drafted him in 2012, did not sign him to an entry-level contract.
Matt Benning Career
Early Career (2016–2020)
As an unsigned draft pick of the Boston Bruins, Benning signed a two-year, entry-level contract with his hometown Edmonton Oilers on August 27, 2016. He impressed during his first Oilers training camp and unexpectedly made the team’s opening night roster for the 2016–17 season. After beginning the year as a healthy scratch, he was briefly reassigned to the AHL affiliate Bakersfield Condors before being recalled.
Benning made his NHL debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 1, 2016, and scored his first NHL goal against goaltender Cory Schneider of the New Jersey Devils on January 7, 2017. His rookie season was cut short by a concussion sustained on February 3, 2017, after a hit from Carolina Hurricanes forward Viktor Stålberg, causing him to miss the next 20 games. He returned to action the following seasons and continued serving as a reliable depth defenceman for Edmonton through the 2019–20 campaign.
Nashville Predators Era (2020–2022)
Following the 2019–20 season, the Oilers did not tender Benning a qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent. He was released into free agency on October 7, 2020, and quickly signed a two-year contract with the Nashville Predators on October 9, 2020. In Nashville, Benning slotted into a depth defensive role and contributed on the penalty kill during his two seasons with the club.
San Jose Sharks Era (2022–2024)
After completing his contract with the Predators, Benning signed a four-year contract with the San Jose Sharks on July 13, 2022. He played significant minutes for a rebuilding Sharks roster during the early portion of his tenure, providing veteran stability on the back end. On December 3, 2023, however, Benning suffered a season-ending hip injury that required surgery, limiting him to 14 games that year with two assists recorded before the injury.
Toronto Maple Leafs / Marlies Era (2024–Present)
Benning appeared in seven games for the Sharks at the start of the 2024–25 season before being dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 30, 2024. Toronto acquired Benning along with two draft picks in exchange for defenceman Timothy Liljegren. After clearing waivers, Benning was assigned to the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, where he has continued his professional career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Benning is recognized as a defence-first blueliner who excels in his own end of the ice. He uses his 6-foot-1 frame effectively along the boards, blocks shots, and contributes to penalty-killing units. His game is built more on positioning, reliability, and steady gap control than offensive flash, making him a dependable bottom-pairing option in a team structure.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Benning’s career are his unexpected NHL debut with Edmonton in 2016, his first NHL goal against Cory Schneider in January 2017, and the trade that brought him to the Toronto organization in 2024. The hip injury he sustained in December 2023 also stands as a major setback, requiring surgery and ending his season prematurely.
Matt Benning Career Wins
Matthew Benning’s professional résumé is defined more by steady defensive contributions and longevity than by major individual awards. Across his time with the Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, and Toronto organization, he has established himself as a reliable depth defenceman at the NHL level.
Team Highlights
Benning reached the NHL in his first professional season with the Oilers in 2016 and went on to play parts of four seasons in Edmonton. He then contributed on the Predators’ blue line for two seasons before joining the Sharks, where he served as a veteran presence during a major organizational rebuild.
Other Performances
In addition to his NHL appearances, Benning has logged games in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors and Toronto Marlies, helping develop younger players and maintaining his professional form during injury recoveries and roster transitions.
Matt Benning Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Benning was raised in St. Albert, Alberta, in a family with deep NHL roots. His father, Brian Benning, played 10 seasons as an NHL defenceman, including stints with the Edmonton Oilers, and previously suited up for the St. Albert Saints of the AJHL. His uncle, Jim Benning, also played 10 NHL seasons as a defenceman and later served as the general manager of the Vancouver Canucks.
Personal Life
Benning is the older brother of Michael Benning, a defenceman who plays for the Florida Panthers of the NHL. The two brothers have continued the family’s strong hockey tradition at the highest level of the sport.
2025 Season Performance
Following his October 2024 trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Benning was assigned to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL after clearing waivers. He has spent the 2024–25 campaign with the Marlies, providing defensive depth and veteran leadership to Toronto’s top minor league affiliate.
Although he did not appear in NHL games for the Maple Leafs following the trade, his presence in the AHL has given Toronto additional organizational depth on the blue line. The Marlies have used him in a shutdown role, and his experience from nearly a decade of professional hockey has been an asset in the locker room.
Looking ahead through the remainder of 2025, Benning will likely continue in his role with the Marlies, serving as a steady presence for the Maple Leafs organization. His contract and experience level position him as a reliable call-up option should injuries affect Toronto’s NHL roster.