Mike Benning - NHL News & Rumors

Secures two-way deal Benning penned a one-year, two-way contract with the Flames on Wednesday, Darren Dreger of TSN reports.

Impact Benning was a fringe roster player for the Panthers last year, logging just 18 NHL games while garnering two goals and four assists along the way. With Calgary, the 24-year-old Benning should have a shot at playing more NHL games, but he will need to string together a strong performance at training camp in the fall.

JULY 1 • ROTOWIRE

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.

Impact 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.

JUNE 30 • ROTOWIRE

Sent back down Benning was reassigned to AHL Charlotte on Thursday.

Impact Benning's first taste of NHL action saw him record six points over 18 contests this season. He went out with a bang, scoring twice in the regular-season finale versus the Red Wings on Wednesday. Benning will now provide reinforcements for Charlotte ahead of its playoff run.

APRIL 17 • ROTOWIRE

Pots first two career goals Benning scored two goals in Wednesday's 8-1 win over the Red Wings.

Impact The 24-year-rookie scored his first two NHL goals in his 18th game, striking twice in a little over three minutes in the middle of the second period. Benning, a fourth-round pick in the 2020 Draft, has been fairly productive in the AHL since turning pro, scoring eight goals and 31 points in 56 games for Charlotte this season, but with most of the big names on the Florida blue line locked into hefty contracts -- Seth Jones (foot), Aaron Ekblad (finger), Gustav Forsling (undisclosed) and Niko Mikkola (knee) are set to make a combined $23.85 million in 2026-27 -- Benning may have to look elsewhere as a restricted free agent this spring for a chance at a consistent role in the NHL.

APRIL 16 • ROTOWIRE

FLA vs. DET: Benning (Postgame) | Florida Panthers Mike Benning speaks after the 8-1 win over the Red Wings on Wednesday.

APRIL 16 • NHL.COM

Panthers vs Red Wings Highlights | 4.15.26

APRIL 16 • YOUTUBE

Red Wings vs. Panthers | NHL Highlights | April 15, 2026

APRIL 16 • YOUTUBE

Benning gets first 2 goals of career, Panthers finish season with 8-1 win over Red Wings

Mike Benning got his first two NHL goals, Wilmer Skoog, Mikulas Hovorka and Ludvig Jansson all got their first NHL points, and the Florida Panthers closed out their injury-plagued...

APRIL 16 • Associated Press

Is this the WEIRDEST 1st NHL goal?? 😅

APRIL 16 • YOUTUBE

FLA vs. DET: Benning scores first career goal | Florida Panthers Mike Benning makes it 4-0 against the Red Wings in the second period.

APRIL 16 • NHL.COM

FLA vs. DET: Benning scores second | Florida Panthers Mike Benning makes it 5-0 against the Red Wings in the second period.

APRIL 16 • NHL.COM

Provides two assists Benning notched two assists and a plus-2 rating in Thursday's 4-0 win over the Oilers.

Impact The Edmonton native's first NHL game in his hometown also marked his first multi-point effort. Benning has three helpers, one shot on net, four blocked shots and three hits through four outings. The Panthers appear to be giving Benning an extended audition late in the season, so it's possible he'll be in contention for an NHL job on a full-time basis in 2026-27.

MARCH 20 • ROTOWIRE

FLA at EDM: Benning (Postgame) | Florida Panthers Mike Benning speaks after the 4-0 win over the Oilers on Thursday.

MARCH 20 • NHL.COM

Sergei Bobrovsky perfect in net as Panthers blank Oilers 4-0

Sergei Bobrovsky made 21 saves to earn his fourth shutout of the season as the Florida Panthers continued to plague Edmonton, emerging with a 4-0 victory over the Oilers on Thursda...

MARCH 20 • Associated Press

NHL Debut: Mike Benning | Florida Panthers From morning skate until postgame, follow along with Mike Benning during his NHL debut with the Panthers.

MARCH 14 • NHL.COM

Earns helper in NHL debut Benning logged a power-play assist in Thursday's 2-1 overtime win over the Blue Jackets.

Impact Benning helped out on Sam Reinhart's game-winning tally in overtime. This was Benning's NHL debut, and he was able to be a contributor right away. He should continue to get a look in a power-play spot while the Panthers await the returns of Uvis Balinskis (undisclosed) and Seth Jones (upper body).

MARCH 13 • ROTOWIRE

FLA vs. CBJ: Mike Benning - Postgame | Florida Panthers Mike Benning talks about his NHL debut, first point and more.

MARCH 13 • NHL.COM

Morning Skate: Benning 3/12/26 | Florida Panthers Mike Benning speaks ahead of his NHL debut against the Blue Jackets.

MARCH 12 • NHL.COM

Called up from minors Benning was recalled from AHL Charlotte on Thursday.

Impact Following Thursday's move, Benning will have the opportunity to make his NHL debut after posting a solid trio of seasons in the AHL. Across 56 games with Charlotte this season, he has eight goals, 23 assists and 110 shots on net. The 24-year-old defenseman has been a steady contributor from the blueline with 89 points across 182 career games with the Checkers, which should help him carve out a role with the Panthers if his name is called upon.

MARCH 12 • ROTOWIRE

Three points in AHL win Benning scored a goal and added two assists in AHL Charlotte's 8-2 win over Springfield on Tuesday.

Impact Benning was limited to two points over his previous 10 outings. The defenseman is now at four goals, 17 points, 65 shots on net and 28 PIM over 34 appearances this season. Benning's development, at least on offense, has mostly stalled out since reaching the AHL, though at 24 years old, he could still find another level.

JANUARY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up two helpers in AHL loss Benning had two assists in AHL Charlotte's 5-3 loss to Toronto on Saturday.

Impact Benning has warmed up with a goal and five assists over his last six games. Still, he's at just nine points in 17 outings this season. He has not taken a step forward from last year's performance of 32 points in 54 regular-season contests. Until he shows more on offense, the undersized defenseman is unlikely to get a call-up to the Panthers.

NOVEMBER 30, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

DOUBLE DOINK off the STICK!

SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 • YOUTUBE

FLA at NSH: Benning (Game 2) | Florida Panthers Mike Benning speaks after the second game of the doubleheader in Nashville.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 • NHL.COM

Lands one-year contract Benning signed a one-year, two-way contract with Florida on Thursday.

Impact The 23-year-old defenseman has yet to debut in the NHL. Benning spent last season with AHL Charlotte, potting nine goals and 23 assists in 54 regular-season contests. He could make his NHL debut this season, but will likely spend most of the season in the AHL.

AUGUST 14, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Rookie Showcase: Mike Benning | Florida Panthers Hear from Mike Benning at the Rookie Showcase in Nashville.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 • NHL.COM

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Benning gets first 2 goals of career, Panthers finish season with 8-1 win over Red Wings

Sergei Bobrovsky perfect in net as Panthers blank Oilers 4-0