The Edmonton Oilers wanted to add more depth to the right side of their defence corps going into the 2016-17 season. Therefore, they signed NCAA free agent Matthew Benning to a three-year entry-level deal.
Little did the Oilers know how Benning would thrive and become such an important part of the team in just his first year in the NHL. Here’s how the rookie put up a quality year while also showing promise for the future ahead.
Immediate Impact
Following an outstanding preseason, Benning earned a spot on the opening night roster. From that point on, he set out to prove his worth and show his ability to the team. Not only did he boast a smart defensive game, but he showed his ability to move the puck. This led to him creating scoring chances while also helping the Oilers keep control of the puck.
Edmonton Oilers
In addition to that, Benning used physicality and puck-moving acumen to play a solid game at both ends of the rink. His hard work and versatility moved him up the depth chart. When another player would get injured, Benning would step into that role without missing a beat.
Stats
Through 62 games, the Northeastern alum finished with three goals and 15 points and was a plus-8. Benning showed a lot of offensive upside, and would often jump into the rush and join the play at the other end of the rink.
Defensively, he was a physical force, with 111 hits and 64 blocks. Though the 6-foot-1, 195-pound blueliner isn’t the biggest, Benning didn’t let that stop him from stacking up against his opponents. He could have been more protective of the puck, considering he had 49 giveaways for seven takeaways. When doing the quick math that averages out to about seven giveaways for every takeaway.
However, his possession metrics were among the best on the Oilers blueline. His 52.3 percent Corsi and 2.0 relative Corsi were outstanding for his rookie season. When he was on the ice, Benning knew how to maintain possession of the puck and make sure his team controlled the game when he was on the ice.
Through the playoffs, Benning kept up the success. He finished with three points and was a plus-3 through 12 postseason games, and he also racked up 48 hits and 10 blocks.
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Overall Grade: A
For a rookie, Benning was sensational and showed true promise for the team in years to come. He was outstanding at both ends of the rink, and his possession metrics and puck-moving ability will grow for years to come. However, Benning has to stop turning over the puck. With a unique edge to his game and a chip on his shoulder, there is nowhere for the 23-year-old to go but up.