The Toronto Maple Leafs may be considering a quick turnaround trade involving recently acquired defenseman Matt Benning, who joined the team in a late-October trade that sent Timothy Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks. On the latest “32 Thoughts” podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Toronto is actively exploring options to re-trade Benning, potentially before he even suits up for the team. “I think it is very possible that the Leafs will try and flip [Matt] Benning,” Friedman noted, citing the team’s roster limitations as a primary factor.
With all 23 roster spots currently filled and defenseman Jani Hakanpää expected to return from long-term injured reserve (LTIR) soon, the Leafs are facing a tight roster situation. Benning, reflecting on his recent trade—the first in his career at age 30—expressed a pragmatic outlook. “This is the first time I’ve been traded at 30 years old. Whatever comes, comes,” he said, noting his intent to make it a tough decision for Toronto to keep him on the roster.
However, due to the Leafs’ crowded defense lineup, including Morgan Rielly, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Jake McCabe, and Chris Tanev in top roles, Benning’s opportunity to play may be limited. With only a couple of spots open for rotation, Toronto is weighing their options between Hakanpaa, Simon Benoit, Conor Timmins, and Benning, and could look to clear space by waiving or trading a player.
