Michael Benning

Michael Benning
Benning during his time with the Charlotte Checkers on January 13, 2024
Born (2002-01-05) January 5, 2002 (age 24)
St. Albert, Alberta
Height 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Position Defence
Shoots Right
NHL team
Former teams		 Calgary Flames
Florida Panthers
NHL draft 95th overall, 2020
Florida Panthers
Playing career 2023–present

Michael Benning (born January 5, 2002) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He currently plays for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL). He has also played for the Florida Panthers.

Career

Before playing in the NHL, Benning played two seasons with the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) and three years with the Denver Pioneers of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). He had a successful time with his teams. With the Pioneers, he was named to the All-NCHC First Team, All-NCHC Second Team, and All-Tournament Team. He was also named a AHCA West Second Team All-American.

He was drafted 95th overall by the Florida Panthers of the 2020 NHL entry draft. On April 13, 2023, Benning signed a three-year entry-level contract to join the Panthers. He was sent down to play for their AHL-affiliate Charlotte Checkers.

On March 12, 2026, the Panthers called him up and Benning made his NHL debut in a 2–1 overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He recorded his first NHL point after assisting on a Sam Reinhart's overtime winning goal. On April 15, 2026, Benning scored his first two NHL goals against John Gibson in a 8–1 win against the Detroit Red Wings.

Personal life

Benning comes from a hockey family. His father Brian, uncle Jim, and older brother Matthew are all involved in professional hockey.

References

  1. ↑ "NCHC Reveals 2022-23 All-Conference Teams". National Collegiate Hockey Conference. Retrieved September 30, 2026.
  2. ↑ "2022-23 Men's CCM Hockey Division I All-Americans". American Hockey Coaches Association. Retrieved September 30, 2026.
  3. ↑ "Florida Panthers Agree to Terms with Defenseman Mike Benning". Florida Panthers. Retrieved September 30, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Recap: Panthers 2, Blue Jackets 1 (OT)". Florida Panthers. Retrieved September 30, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Panthers score 8, cruise to win against Red Wings in season finale". National Hockey League. Retrieved September 30, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Family matters for Matt Benning". National Hockey League. Retrieved September 30, 2026.

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