The Florida Panthers are keeping one of their young defensive prospects in the fold for another year.
Florida has signed blueliner Mike Benning to a one-year, two-way deal.
Benning, 23, is entering his third pro season with the Panthers franchise after a standout career at the University of Denver.
The former fourth round selection, 95th overall, at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, has racked up 18 goals and 58 points over 126 AHL games, all with the Charlotte Checkers, including a strong 2024-25 campaign in which he logged nine goals and 32 points in 54 games.
Back in college, Benning was a beast.
He scored the game-winning goal at the 2022 NCAA Championship game and was named the 2022 Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player during his sophomore year, then followed that up with a Hobey Baker Award nomination the following year.
Benning will likely start the upcoming season in Charlotte but will compete to be the first call-up, should the Panthers ever need reinforcements on the blue line.
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Photo caption: Charlotte Checkers defenseman Mike Benning prepares to shoot the puck during a Calder Cup Playoff game against the Hershey Bears. (Charlotte Checkers)