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SUNSET, FL. – Bill Zito, the general manager of the Florida Panthers, revealed today that the team and defenseman Mike Benning have reached an agreement on a three-year, entry-level deal.
“Mike is a gifted two-way defenseman who has had an outstanding collegiate career,” said Zito. “We are thrilled for him to take the next step in his career with the Panthers and look forward to his continued development within our organization.”
Benning, 21, finished his junior year at the University of Denver, where he helped the Pioneers win the Penrose Cup, which is given to the regular-season champion of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). The Edmonton, Alberta, native, who is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 177 pounds, finished tied for seventh in the country in defenders scoring 34 points (13-21-34) and fourth among NCAA defensemen in goals (13).
Benning, who was named the NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year, was second in the conference in the plus-17 rating and led all defensemen in scoring. Benning was chosen to the First-Team All-NCHC this season after winning the NCHC Player of the Month award twice and the Defenseman of the Week award twice.
Benning, who was chosen by Florida in the fourth round (95th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft, played in 101 games for the Pioneers over the course of three seasons (2020–21 to 202–23), contributing 83 points (31–52–83). The Pioneers won their eighth championship when Benning scored the game-winning goal in the 2022 NCAA National Championship match. He was voted the 2022 Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player and made the 2022 Frozen Four All-Tournament Team after scoring four points (1-3-4) in two Frozen Four games.
Brian Benning, the father of Benning, played 568 NHL games in his career with Florida, the St. Louis Blues, the Los Angeles Kings, the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Edmonton Oilers. He was a founding member of the Panthers and competed in Florida’s first two seasons (1993–94 and 1994–95). He presently plays for the San Jose Sharks in his seventh NHL season with his older brother Matt Benning.
2023-24 There is currently a deal on Florida Panthers Territory Memberships. As a Season Ticket Territory Member, you can enjoy exclusive discounts, activities, and advantages throughout the 30th Anniversary Season. For additional information, go to FloridaPanthers.com/TerritoryMemberships or submit this interest form.
Tickets for the individual 2023 Stanley Cup Playoff games go on sale to the general public on April 13 at 10 AM. Sign up for Panthers Territory now! The only way to access all 2023 Stanley Cup Playoff home games, unique bonuses, discounts, and activities are with a 2023–24 Territory Membership. For additional information, contact 954-835-PUCK or go to FloridaPanthers.com/TerritoryMemberships.
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Born and raised in South Florida, Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of Miami with professional writing experience at the collegiate and national news outlet levels. She’s a foodie who loves all things travel, the beach, & visiting new places throughout Florida.