The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the verge of making roster adjustments that could impact the depth of their defensive lineup. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, who discussed this on Sportsnet’s Saturday Headlines segment, the Leafs are facing a roster crunch with both Jani Hakanpää and Connor Dewar currently on conditioning stints with the AHL Marlies.
As they approach full health, the Leafs have about a week to assess their options, which could involve moving recently acquired defenseman Matt Benning.
Matt Benning Trade Rumors: Maple Leafs Face Roster Decisions
Benning joined the Leafs as part of last week’s trade that sent Timothy Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks. Now, with the possibility of a crowded defensive unit, Toronto has reportedly been upfront with teams around the league, stating they’re open to moving Benning in order to accommodate their impending roster needs. This gesture to make the right choice for Benning highlights Toronto’s approach to managing veteran players fairly, especially with their depth chart potentially creating limited playing time.
For teams in need of a reliable, right-shot defenseman, Benning offers an affordable solution. The veteran has been known for his responsible play in his own zone and brings valuable experience to any blue line. At 30, Benning’s stability and discipline could make him an attractive pickup for teams looking to bolster their back end without a long-term commitment or significant cap impact. Toronto’s transparency in making him available might attract teams in need of immediate defensive support, such as the Edmonton Oilers or Colorado Avalanche, who could benefit from Benning’s steady presence.
As Toronto approaches their final decision on the roster, the focus will likely be on balancing defensive depth with the need for roster flexibility. Benning’s availability signals the Maple Leafs’ willingness to optimize their roster by allowing space for other assets while potentially gaining additional draft capital or a minor league asset in return.
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