The Edmonton Oilers signed yet another NCAA UFA. Defenceman Matthew Benning, a former 6th round pick of Chiarelli’s Bruins in 2012, joins the Edmonton Oilers.
This is the fourth NCAA free agent signing for the Oilers as Benning joins Drake Caggiula, Patrick Russell and Nick Ellis.
The #Oilers have signed defenceman Matthew Benning (@GoNUmhockey) to a two-year, entry-level contract. pic.twitter.com/z3juLulnoq
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) August 27, 2016
Matthew Benning is a former Northeastern Huskie who posted 19 points (6 goals 13 assists) in 41 games last season. Benning is the son of former NHL defenceman Brian Benning and the nephew of current Canucks general manager, Jim Benning.
The Skinny on Matthew Benning
Benning is a former Bruins draft pick, and it makes some sense for Chiarelli to snag a former draft pick of his. Benning was recently lost in a Bruins shuffle for defensive depth in the organization. It was reported that Los Angeles and Vancouver were also interested in Matthew Benning.
Benning stands in at 6’0 and 218 pounds. From Hockey’s Future:
Benning is the son of former NHL defenseman Brian Benning and the nephew of Canucks’ GM Jim Benning. He is a rugged defensive defenceman with some offensive elements to his game. He has average height but is heavy and strong and can be a devastating hitter. His skating needs work and his overall game must continue to develop during his college career. His ability to step right into the lineup at Northeastern and play a key role in his first two seasons suggests he can be a late-round sleeper.
Benning is in his junior season at Northeastern in 2015-16 and has been a key component of one of the biggest turnaround stories in college hockey. After getting off to a 1-10-2 start the Huskies finished the regular season 16-13-5 and swept Maine in a first-round Hockey East series. With several defensive prospects in the Boston system Benning faces a challenge in securing an entry-level contract. He projects as a solid second or third pairing defenseman with his defensive ability and instincts plus the ability to begin the attack on the transition.
Final Thoughts
From those scouting reports it’s safe to assume that Matthew Benning is a few years away from NHL contention but he fills a dire organizational need that being right handed shooting defencemen. It’s good to hear that Benning does not shy away from the physical play despite his average size.
Benning is 22 years old and joins a right handed chart that includes: Adam Larsson, Mark Fayne, Ethan Bear, John Marino, Vincent Desharnais. Chiarelli has added three right handed shots this off season alone.
Benning seems to be a smart defensive player, that does not necessarily have the greatest skating. I expect Benning to be competing for a spot in Bakersfield this season.
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