RD Michael Benning - Sherwood Park Crusaders, AJHL (2020, 95th, FLA)

[Ovechkin962]

Michael Benning at eliteprospects.com

The AJHL has been producing good defensemen the last few years (Makar, Bernard-Docker). 50 points in 50 games for Benning so far this year as a small offensive d-man. I have a feeling he could be a first rounder next year.

 

[Ctrain2k]

Oh god, he’s Matt Benning’s brother.

 

[member 157595]

Oh god, he’s Matt Benning’s brother.

All the Bennings are failed attempts to breed Jamie Benn with Peyton Manning.

EDIT: This does not explain the awesomeness that is Brandon Manning.

 

[DatsyukToZetterberg]

He was just named the top Defenceman at the JCWC. He had one of the best U17 seasons for a defencemen in the AJHL last year. If he can follow up last season with another productive season, say something like Makar, he should be in the discussion as a top 30 pick.

 

[Tobias Kahun]

He was just named the top Defenceman at the JCWC. He had one of the best U17 seasons for a defencemen in the AJHL last year. If he can follow up last season with another productive season, say something like Makar, he should be in the discussion as a top 30 pick.

Any idea how his skating is? Is it better than his Brothers?

 

[tealhockey]

He was just named the top Defenceman at the JCWC. He had one of the best U17 seasons for a defencemen in the AJHL last year. If he can follow up last season with another productive season, say something like Makar, he should be in the discussion as a top 30 pick.

I only caught one of his games from this, early on, but he was definitely noticeable as a young guy. Good for him..

 

[DatsyukToZetterberg]

Any idea how his skating is? Is it better than his Brothers?

I've only seen clips, but he has looked fine to me. I'd say he's an above average skater, but I'm also not a scout.

From this article they said that he was an excellent skater, elusive, and he can make something out of nothing.

I think he's pretty underrated at this point. His size seems to be the only negative and with how many smaller defenceman are successfully making the NHL now I'm not sure how much of a negative it really is.

 

[YEGJuniorFan]

I've seen him play live a couple of times. He is a very intelligent, offensive dman. Him and Carter Savoie (both 16 last season) were basically running the Crusader's PP. Both could be top 90 picks, with Benning being a safer bet to go higher.

 

[tealhockey]

I've seen him play live a couple of times. He is a very intelligent, offensive dman. Him and Carter Savoie (both 16 last season) were basically running the Crusader's PP. Both could be top 90 picks, with Benning being a safer bet to go higher.

Western Can to Denver pipeline seems strong as ever

 

[Daniel Gee]

Here is a short summary of Benning's game against Karpat in JCWC

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

40 points in 27 games. His hockey IQ is definitely his calling card. He's a little undersized, but he doesn't defend poorly. He's one of these good functional skaters who doesn't have blazing speed. Some will knock him for that, but his skating is effective, and shouldn't be a problem, as long as he's not expected to win 1v1 skating sprints over long distances. Good offensive ability. He's definitely a PP guy at the NHL level, if he gets there. I'm not convinced his offense is elite, especially considering his size, but its definitely good.

He's listed as a Denver commit for 2021-22 on EP. Is that a typo or is that correct? I can't imagine another season in the AJHL will be good for his game.

 

[5cotland]

This kid is seriously gonna fly under the radar and become a hidden gem.

He has been on Par with Cale Makar's numbers in AJHL and his game is very similar. His IQ is off the charts and skating is very good.

Whoever picks this guy up is gonna hit a homerun.

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

He seems like he'd be a good bet in the early 2nd.

 

[5cotland]

Dark horse of the draft.

 

[covfefe]

Dark horse of the draft.

agreed, super fun guy to watch and he is a big part of Savoie’s insane production so far. Also - to your earlier point about Makar, he’s a bit of a psychopath out there, whereas Cale was very calm and composed at this level. Personally, I like the fire, but some might not. I’d be happy with him anywhere in the late 1st (~20th on).

 

[5cotland]

Completely agree. It makes you wonder how Makar went 4th OA when this guy who's play and stats are near identical. But like you said he has that aggressive style which Makar doesnt.

I think a first round pick is definitely within the realms of possibility. I truly believe he will be a diamond in the rough for whoever picks him

 

[YEGJuniorFan]

He strikes me as the type of guy who could jump into the late first if a team is really high, or drop to the 3rd.

 

[LastWordArmy]

Part of hockey royalty, Michael Benning‘s grandfather, Elmer Benning was a long-time scout for the Montreal Canadiens. His father, Brian Benning was a second-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in 1984 and played over 500 NHL games. His uncle, Jim Benning was a Toronto Maple Leafs first-round pick and played over 600 games. He is the general manager of the Vancouver Canucks. His brother, Matt Benning plays for the Edmonton Oilers.

Benning opted to play for the Sherwood Park Crusaders in the AJHL to keep his college options open. He is committed to playing for the University of Denver Pioneers next season. Benning has been dominant this year. He put up 12 goals and 63 assists for 75 points in 54 games. Benning had the most points by a defenceman in the AJHL. He was also named the AJHL and CJHL’s Most Outstanding Defenceman and a league All-Star. Benning played for Team Canada West at the WJAC. Last season, Benning scored 10 goals and 51 assists for 61 points in 60 games. He added nine points in 12 playoff games. It was the most points by an AJHL defenceman and won him the league’s Rookie of the Year award.

Our Scouting Report
https://lastwordonhockey.com/2020/05/21/michael-benning-scouting-report/

 

[Newfoundland]

same stats as makar?

 

[MMC]

Welcome to Florida!

 

[Dominance]

Potential steal.

 

[BB06]

Damn wanted him on the Nucks. How could Benning Pass on his nephew!!!!

 

[Breakers]

He is QBing this PP for the Pio's and dominating in transition

One of the better freshman in the NCAA right now.

 

[thrillhous]

So good on the power play and an awesome skater. Thought someone would take him much earlier as his upside is really high.

 

[780il]

Savoie + Benning continue to be money together in the NCAA...