The Florida Panthers announced they have re-signed defenseman Mike Benning to a one-year, two-way contract. Benning recorded nine goals and 32 points in 53 games with the Charlotte Checkers last season before adding nine points in 18 playoff games en route to a Calder Cup Finals appearance. Scouts Making Decisions On Players' Height The 23-year-old is a fantastic puck moving defenseman who has gradually taken on more responsibility in his two professional seasons. He has 18 goals and 58 points in 126 career AHL games. A fourth round selection of the Florida Panthers in 2020, Benning joined the Checkers after three seasons at the University of Denver where he won the 2022 National Championship and was named tournament MVP. His NCAA career included a NCHC First and Second All-Star Team appearance and the 2023 NCHC Best Offensive Defenseman Award. He racked up 31 goals and 83 points in 101 career NCAA games. While the Panthers are set to return the majority of their Stanley Cup winning defense it would not be a surprise to see Benning make his NHL debut next season. While with the Checkers he should take on an even larger role than last season after the team has lost several key members from the team that lost in the 2025 finals. Check out our AHL Free Agency signing tracker here [https://thehockeynews.com/ahl/latest-news/ahl-free-agency-2025-tracker-and-analysis].
