Benning penned a one-year, two-way contract with the Flames on Wednesday, Darren Dreger of TSN reports.
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.
... See More... See Less
Michael Benning: Eligible to link up with new team
Rotowire
Benning was not tendered a qualifying offer from Florida on Monday, according to Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald.
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.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Michael Benning: Pots first two career goals
Rotowire
Benning scored two goals in Wednesday's 8-1 win over the Red Wings.
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.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Michael Benning: Earns helper in NHL debut
Rotowire
Benning logged a power-play assist in Thursday's 2-1 overtime win over the Blue Jackets.
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).
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Michael Benning: Called up from minors
Rotowire
Benning was recalled from AHL Charlotte on Thursday.
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 blue line 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.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Michael Benning: Picks up two helpers in AHL loss
Rotowire
Benning had two assists in AHL Charlotte's 5-3 loss to Toronto on Saturday.
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.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Michael Benning: Lands one-year contract
Rotowire
Benning signed a one-year, two-way contract with Florida on Thursday.
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.
