Matthew Benning Bio
Matthew Benning is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played for the Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators, and San Jose Sharks. He was selected 175th overall in the 2012 NHL entry draft by the Boston Bruins.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Benning was born on May 25, 1994, in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. He comes from a family with a rich hockey background; his father, Brian Benning, was a former NHL defenceman. Growing up in a hockey-centric environment, Matthew was exposed to the sport from a young age, which laid the foundation for his future career. He played two seasons of Junior A hockey for the Spruce Grove Saints of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) before moving on to play for the Dubuque Fighting Saints junior team. Benning further honed his skills at Northeastern University, where he played for the Huskies from 2013 to 2016.
Path to Hockey
After completing his college career, Matthew Benning entered the professional ranks. He remained an unsigned draft pick of the Boston Bruins and opted to sign a two-year, entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers on August 27, 2016. His performance during training camp was impressive, leading to his inclusion in the Oilers’ opening night roster for the 2016–17 season. After a brief stint as a healthy scratch, he made his professional debut with the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers’ AHL affiliate. Benning’s NHL debut came on November 1, 2016, against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he made an immediate impact by scoring his first NHL goal on January 7, 2017, against Cory Schneider of the New Jersey Devils.
Matthew Benning Career
Early Career (2016–2020)
During his initial years with the Edmonton Oilers, Matthew Benning faced challenges, including a concussion that sidelined him for 20 games. Despite these setbacks, he established himself as a reliable defenceman. After four seasons with the Oilers, he became a restricted free agent but was not tendered a qualifying offer due to salary cap considerations, leading to his release into free agency.
Breakthrough (2020–2022)
Following his time with the Oilers, Benning signed a two-year contract with the Nashville Predators on October 9, 2020. His tenure with the Predators allowed him to further develop his game and contribute to the team’s defensive lineup. After his contract with Nashville ended, he signed a four-year deal with the San Jose Sharks on July 13, 2022. Unfortunately, his time with the Sharks was marred by injuries, including a season-ending hip surgery in December 2023.
Notable Works and Milestones
Matthew Benning’s career milestones include his NHL debut and scoring his first goal, which are significant achievements for any player. His journey through various teams showcases his adaptability and skill as a defenceman.
Matthew Benning Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Matthew Benning has not received any notable award nominations.
Matthew Benning Awards Won
Matthew Benning has not won any major awards during his professional hockey career.
Matthew Benning Family
Matthew Benning is the son of Brian Benning, a former NHL defenceman. He has a brother, Michael Benning, who also plays as a defenceman for the Florida Panthers. The Benning family has a strong hockey lineage, contributing to the sport at various levels.
Personal Life
Matthew Benning maintains a low profile regarding his personal life. He is known for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to improving his game. As of now, there are no public details regarding his marital status or children.