Leafs place Benning on waivers weeks after trading for him

The Matt Benning era with the Toronto Maple Leafs could be pretty short-lived.

Today, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman broke the news that the Leafs are placing the veteran defender on waivers, less than two weeks after acquiring him from the San Jose Sharks as part of a package for Timothy Liljegren.

Benning was held pointless in seven games for the Sharks this season but has yet to suit up for the Leafs following the October 30 trade.

The move follows the Leafs likely trying to find a home for Benning pretty much the moment he was moved to Toronto.

“I think it is very possible that the Leafs will try and flip Benning,” said Friedman on an episode of 32 Thoughts earlier this month, noting Toronto’s lack of open roster spots. “I heard he was on a flight to Toronto today, but I think it’s possible Toronto tries to flip him. Right now they’re a full roster, and somebody’s gonna have to get moved.”

Now in his fourth NHL organization, Benning was aware of the possibility he could be on the move once again.

“[I’ve] got to make it hard on decision-making to keep me here. If I get an opportunity to get in and do well with it, that’s all I can control,” he told reporters earlier this month. “I don’t really look into [trade rumours]. Whatever comes, comes.”

Benning has suited up for 464 games in his NHL career, also spending time with the Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators prior to his time in San Jose.

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