Benning is coming off of the best season of his young career, having scored is goals with 15 assists (21 points) in 73 games. The 24-year-old posted one of the best CorsiFor% (51.2) ratings among Oilers’ defensemen and graded out as the No.47 right-handed defenseman in the NHL according to Corsica Player Rankings—not bad for a third-pairing D-man.
Benning is battling a sickness so he will come out of the lineup vs. the Sharks. Oscar Klefbom (shoulder), who has missed the last two games, will replace him.
Benning was a healthy scratch on Tuesday but will replace Brandon Davidson in the lineup vs. the Ducks. Benning has nine points (4G / 5A) in 36 games this season.
Benning was a healthy scratch on Saturday but was expected to draw back into the lineup tonight vs. the Hurricanes. However, he is under the weather so Yohan Auvitu will remain in the lineup and Kris Russell will likely see power-play time on the second unit.
Benning left after playing just 4:15 TOI in last night’s loss in Carolina. Benin’s injury will keep him out for at least seven days, so the Oilers placed him on IR to create a roster spot to recall Jordan Oesterle.
