Injured Leaf takes big step towards a return; that likely means a move is coming
It was not the start to his Leafs career Jordie Benn wanted. On September 28th, during a preseason game, he sustained an apparent groin injury. The club stated that he will be out for at least three weeks. Today, 15 days after the injury, Benn is back on the ice skating.
Benn was placed on the Leafs LTIR when the season began, meaning he will have to remain there for at least the first ten games and 24 days of the season. At 35-years-old, he is more of a depth piece who can add some physicality. As it currently stands, when everyone is healthy, it is unlikely Benn is in the lineup. This begs the question for Leaf fans, what will happen to Benn when he is fully healthy? Will he be waived and sent to the Marlies? Is a Leafs trade inevitable to clear out salary? Or will the team utilize LTIR all season? That said, the focus for Benn right now should be to get back to full health and give the team another veteran option on the blue line.
Jordie Benn signed a one year contract with the Leafs this past offseason worth the league minimum ($750,000). He has played 595 NHL regular season games over the last 11 years. Jordie Benn was never drafted into the NHL. After signing with the Dallas Stars as a free agent in 2011, he began his career in the league there, where he played with his younger brother, Jamie Benn.
