Benning was reassigned to AHL Charlotte on Thursday.
Benning's first taste of NHL action saw him record six points over 18 contests this season. He went out with a bang, scoring twice in the regular-season finale versus the Red Wings on Wednesday. Benning will now provide reinforcements for Charlotte ahead of its playoff run.
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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.
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Panthers' Michael Benning: Earns helper in NHL debut
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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).
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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.
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Panthers' Michael Benning: Three points in AHL win
Rotowire
Benning scored a goal and added two assists in AHL Charlotte's 8-2 win over Springfield on Tuesday.
Benning was limited to two points over his previous 10 outings. The defenseman is now at four goals, 17 points, 65 shots on net and 28 PIM over 34 appearances this season. Benning's development, at least on offense, has mostly stalled out since reaching the AHL, though at 24 years old, he could still find another level.
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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.
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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.
