Defenseman Matt Benning, newly acquired by the Toronto Maple Leafs, said Friday that he is not concerned about rumors that he could be traded again in the near future.
Acquired with third- and fifth-round picks from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Timothy Liljegren, Benning joins a loaded group on defense that should also see the debut of Jani Hakanpaa in the coming days or weeks.
Hakanpaa and forward Connor Dewar, who have yet to play this season, were assigned to the AHL’s Marlies for conditioning training Friday, suggesting a player shortage looms on the horizon in Toronto.
“I don’t really worry about that. Whatever has to happen will happen. I have to make it difficult to make decisions for me to stay here. If I get an opportunity to play and be successful, that’s all I can control,” Benning said.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun and Darren Dreger both mentioned the possibility of the Maple Leafs getting rid of Benning on Thursday.
“It’s more about roster space than the cap issues that the Toronto Maple Leafs seem to struggle with every year,” Dreger said of the team’s likelihood of moving forward. to other movements. “It is therefore to be expected that Brad Treliving will have to place another player on waivers or make a trade, because Toronto is currently stuck with its 23-man roster. But beyond that, it was a new beginning for Timothy Liljegren. It’s true ? He didn’t meet the head coach’s expectations. »
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