Florida Panthers sign prospect Michael Benning to entry-level contract
The Florida Panthers have signed defenseman Michael Benning to an entry-level contract, according to The Hockey News’ David Dwork.
Benning recently finished his third season with the University of Denver, recording his second consecutive 30-plus-point campaign. He concludes his college tenure with 83 points in 101 games over three seasons, good for fourth among defensemen in scoring in that span. His 31 goals were the most of the bunch.
The brother of Matt Benning and nephew of Jim, Michael’s breakout season came during his sophomore campaign last year. He helped Denver win the NCAA national title and was named tournament MVP after recording four points in the final two games. A minute-munching defender, Benning was an impact player from Day 1 at Denver, taking over after the departure of Cale Makar two years prior to Benning’s arrival.
University of Denver standout defenseman Michael Benning was in the Panthers locker room just now, getting dressed in a stall with his name over it.
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) April 12, 2023
Florida took Benning in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft. Perhaps he’s turning pro.
Before going to the college route, Benning led the AJHL in scoring by a defenseman with 61 points while with the Sherwood Park Crusaders. He then won the league’s outstanding defenseman award the following year after leading all blueliners in points again with 75. Benning was named the CJHL’s top blueliner for 2019-20, something that was also previously won by Makar.
At 5-foot-9, Benning is relatively undersized. But he makes up for that with intelligent passes, good top speed and offensive awareness. Benning should challenge for a roster spot with the Panthers next season, a blueline that will see Marc Stall and Radko Gudas become UFAs. The team has Aaron Ekblad signed until 2025, while Brandon Montour, Gustav Forsling and Josh Mahura all are inked for 2023-24. The team has a weak prospect pool, but Benning is the team’s top young defenseman. Forward Mackie Samoskevich recently signed an ATO with the Charlotte Checkers and could challenge for an NHL role next year, as well.