Insider Reports Maple Leafs Face Tough Decision: Defenseman Likely Heading to Waivers

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Chris Gerics
November 8, 2024 (8:45 PM)

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NHL Insider Frank Seravalli reported on Friday the Toronto Maple Leafs will be more than likely placing Matt Benning on waivers in order to clear up roster space.

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Matt Benning from the San Jose Sharks as he was the player included in the Timothy Liljegren trade earlier this season. Benning wasn't seen as a key player in the Maple Leafs' future and hasn't seen the ice since being traded.

There isn't much room for Benning anyway, especially with the return of Jani Hakanpaa imminent. Toronto is going to need to clear some roster space and according to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli; putting Benning on waivers is the easiest solution:

«They're at 23 men right now, and therein lies the problem. Cap wise, the Leafs are totally fine. Roster wise, they've got to unload two players in order to bring [Jani Hakanpaa and Connor Dewar] back onto the roster,» Seravalli said.

«The first and easiest way to do that would probably be to put Matt Benning on waivers. I think they've tried to find a taker for him, but the extra year on his deal has prevented that.»

Toronto hasn't yet found a trade deal for Benning, as Seravalli notes the extra year is a big dealbreaker, but that Toronto could also look to trade Nick Robertson if they needed to clear space, even though they wouldn't like that to be the case:

«Could they trade Nick Robertson? Yes, it remains a possibility. Teams have had interest, but the Leafs would prefer to not do that,» Seravalli said regarding names who could be gone to make room.

Seravalli also noted that Toronto could use Philippe Myers as the casualty for a roster spot, but that the team is very high on the defenseman and doesn't want to risk losing him:

«I'll tell you one other thing that they wouldn't like to do. You might look at their lineup and say, Hey, well Philippe Myers, he's only played one game this season. You could just put him on waivers.' The Leafs really don't want to do that."

"They think with his size that they're on the cusp of figuring something out to be a quiet, stay at home defenceman and a cheap option for them in their bottom pair. They're not ready to give up on him.»

Benning seems like the most likely candidate, as Toronto was more than likely only searching for the draft pick for Liljegren and took on Benning as a bit of a sweetener. It will be interesting to see how the roster shapes up in the coming weeks as Brad Treliving sorts things out.