Michael Benning
Former
2025 Stats
G
2
A
4
PP Pts
1
+/-
-4
PIM
2
2026 Projections
Signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Panthers in August of 2025.
Eligible to link up with new team
Benning was not tendered a qualifying offer from Florida on Monday, according to Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald.
ANALYSIS
Benning, a right-shot blueliner, made his NHL debut in 2025-26. The 24-year-old suited up for 18 games with the Panthers, registering two goals and six points. Benning spent the majority of the year with AHL Charlotte, though, as he accrued eight goals and 31 points over 57 regular-season contests with the Checkers. Benning should have no problem drawing interest when free agency opens Wednesday.
Benning, a right-shot blueliner, made his NHL debut in 2025-26. The 24-year-old suited up for 18 games with the Panthers, registering two goals and six points. Benning spent the majority of the year with AHL Charlotte, though, as he accrued eight goals and 31 points over 57 regular-season contests with the Checkers. Benning should have no problem drawing interest when free agency opens Wednesday.
NHL Stats
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2025 NHL Game Log
2025
2024
2023
2022
2025 NHL Game Log
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2025–26 Time On Ice Stats
- Average Time On Ice: 16:54
- Average Power Play TOI: 0:50
- Average Short-Handed TOI: 0:16
Ice Time
Power Play
Short-Handed
2025–26
16:54
0:50
0:16
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Following a three-year career at the University of Denver, Benning spent the past two seasons in the minors with AHL Charlotte, including the 2024-25 campaign in which he generated nine goals and 23 assists in 54 regular-season tilts before adding another nine points in 18 playoff games. Selected by the Cats in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft, the two-way nature of the blueliner's new deal suggests he'll once again be plying his trade in the minors, but could be in line to make his NHL debut at some point during the campaign. Still, as a fringe roster option, Benning is unlikely to offer much, if any, fantasy value this season.
More Fantasy News
Sent back down
Benning was reassigned to AHL Charlotte on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
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Pots first two career goals
Benning scored two goals in Wednesday's 8-1 win over the Red Wings.
ANALYSIS
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Provides two assists
Benning notched two assists and a plus-2 rating in Thursday's 4-0 win over the Oilers.
ANALYSIS
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Earns helper in NHL debut
Benning logged a power-play assist in Thursday's 2-1 overtime win over the Blue Jackets.
ANALYSIS
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Called up from minors
Benning was recalled from AHL Charlotte on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Expected to sign ELC
Benning has reportedly agreed to terms on an entry-level contract with the Panthers, David Dwork of Local 10 Miami reports Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Benning appears set to forgo his senior season at the University of Denver after racking up 34 points in 39 games this year. Over the course of his three-year collegiate career, the 2020 fourth-round pick logged 101 contests in which he tallied 31 goals and 52 helpers. If Benning's deal begins this season, he could join the Panthers for the postseason, though he might not be able to get into the lineup.
Benning appears set to forgo his senior season at the University of Denver after racking up 34 points in 39 games this year. Over the course of his three-year collegiate career, the 2020 fourth-round pick logged 101 contests in which he tallied 31 goals and 52 helpers. If Benning's deal begins this season, he could join the Panthers for the postseason, though he might not be able to get into the lineup.