Benning recorded three assists in AHL Toronto's 4-3 win over Belleville on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Benning returned from a month-long absence Wednesday and erupted for his best game of the season. He's now at six assists, nine shots on net and a plus-2 rating over eight appearances in his second year with the Marlies. He's never had more than eight points in an AHL season, which came last year in 39 regular-season appearances, though his path back to the NHL isn't particularly clear once the Maple Leafs get healthier on the blue line.

Benning was placed on waivers by the Maple Leafs on Sunday, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Benning made some appearances with the Sharks early in the 2024-25 campaign, but he played exclusively for AHL Toronto after being dealt to the Maple Leafs in early November. He'll presumably head back to the AHL if he clears waivers, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him spend most of this season in the minors.

Benning was placed on waivers by the Maple Leafs on Monday, Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Benning was traded from the Sharks to the Maple Leafs in late October, but he hasn't yet suited up for Toronto. The 30-year-old will likely head to the minors if he clears waivers.

Benning was traded from the Sharks to the Maple Leafs on Wednesday, along with a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick, in exchange for Timothy Liljegren.

EDGE Analysis

Benning went minus-5 with nine hits, 10 blocked shots and seven shots on goal over seven games with the Sharks prior to the trade. The 30-year-old defenseman may struggle to get into the lineup for the Maple Leafs, but he has a $1.25 million cap hit compared to Liljegren's $3 million AAV, so this saves Toronto some money. Benning doesn't offer much scoring upside, but he brings a physical element.

Benning scored a goal, added three hits and blocked two shots in Tuesday's 3-1 preseason loss to Utah.

EDGE Analysis

Benning opened the scoring at 12:33 of the second period, but the Sharks couldn't get that lead to the intermission. The 30-year-old defenseman is not guaranteed a spot on the Opening Night roster, but he could carve out a role as an extra blueliner. Benning's path to making the roster could be easier if Marc-Edouard Vlasic (upper body) and Shakir Mukhamadullin (lower body) require stints on injured reserve to begin the season.

Benning (lower body) returned to practice Sunday, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

Benning is back in action for the Sharks after missing Friday's practice with a minor injury. The 30-year-old blueliner is competing for a bottom-pairing role in San Jose after logging two assists in 14 games last season.

Benning (lower body) is regarded as day-to-day, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Benning might be unavailable for some preseason action because of the injury, but he's still expected to be fine for Opening Night against St. Louis on Thursday. He had two assists in 14 outings with the Sharks in 2023-24.

Benning (hip) is expected to be healthy to start training camp, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

General manager Mike Grier recently said Benning has progressed well in his recovery from hip surgery in January, which was expected to sideline the defenseman for five months. The 30-year-old blueliner will be in the running for a bottom-four role in training camp, while the Sharks' offseason additions of Jake Walman and Cody Ceci creates more competition among the team's veterans on defense.

Benning underwent successful hip surgery, general manager Mike Grier said Thursday, and will be out of action five months.

EDGE Analysis

That would put Benning out for the season as the Sharks are at the bottom of the NHL standings. Benning ends the season with two assists, 29 blocked shots and 15 hits in 14 games. He should be ready for the start of training camp in September.

Benning (lower body) is out indefinitely, coach David Quinn told Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Benning hasn't played since Dec. 1 due to the injury. He has two assists, 15 hits and 29 blocks in 14 contests this season. When Benning returns, he might serve in a top-four capacity, though he likely won't have a role on the power play.