New Maple Leafs Acquisition Matt Benning Forced to Change Jersey Number in Toronto

It has been a busy week for the Maple Leafs with 4 games on the docket this week and a trade involving Timothy Liljegren, who has landed with the San Jose Sharks, with the 30-year-old Benning coming to Toronto to fill a depth role on the right side.

Benning, a veteran of 464 career NHL games, has spent time with the Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks before landing in Toronto, and while he's had a couple of different jersey numbers in his career, he'll be wearing a number he's never worn prior to this season, as revealed by The Hockey News' David Alter.

Benning, who attended his first Maple Leafs practice on Friday, will wear #55 for the Leafs this season after wearing #5 for the last few years in San Jose and Nashville. Of course, #5 is retired in Toronto in honour of the great Bill Barilko. Benning's #55 was last worn by veteran Mark Giordano last season.

Prior to wearing #5, Benning had also worn #83 during his time with the Edmonton Oilers. Of course, #83 is currently registered to another one of the Leafs' depth defensemen, Marshall Rifai, who is currently assigned to the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League.

It will take a few practices for Benning to become familiar with the new system in Toronto, and while we may see him make his Leafs debut over the weekend, we could just as easily see Craig Berube ease him in and allow him some time to adjust before slotting him into the lineup. During this morning's practice, Benning was paired with Philippe Myers on the Leafs' 4th D pair, meaning he's likely a scratch on Saturday at the very least.

Benning is yet to record a single point this season across 7 games with the San Jose Sharks. The Edmonton native produced a career-high 24 points for the Sharks back in 2022-23.