Benning has played seven games with the Sharks this season, averaging 13:02 of ice time.

Matt Benning might not get much time in Toronto after the Maple Leafs acquired him from the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday, along with a couple of picks, for Timothy Liljegren.

According to TSN's Darren Dreger on Thursday's edition of Insider Trading, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving could flip Benning to add "an additional asset" if the organization continues to battle with the salary cap.

"It has more to do with roster space than it has to do with the cap issues that the Toronto Maple Leafs seem to tangle with on a day-in and day-out basis, annually speaking. I would expect Brad Treliving is either going to have to place another player on waivers," Dreger said.

"Perhaps there's a conditioning stint in the American Hockey League that can be applied. Or, the idea of a trade, because Toronto right now is locked in with its 23-man roster.

"But beyond that, it was a fresh start for Timothy Liljegren, right. He wasn't fitting the eye of head coach Craig Berube, so he gets a fresh start with the San Jose Sharks. The Toronto Maple Leafs get a couple draft picks, which they need, Matt Benning, a veteran defenseman, who Treliving could also flip and add an additional asset."

Jani Hakanpaa and Connor Dewar are eligible to come off long-term injured reserve on Friday. Hakanpaa admitted after practice on Wednesday that he's eager to get back into game action, which could mean a conditioning stint with the Marlies is coming.

AHL Toronto plays on Saturday in Cleveland. After that, the Marlies have a week off before playing back-to-back games in Charlotte on Nov. 9 and 10. The Maple Leafs are already at their 23-man roster limit, meaning someone will need to come off to make room for Hakanpaa.

Toronto may waive Philippe Myers in hopes he clears and joins the Marlies. The 27-year-old is on a one-year, $775,000 contract and has only played one game with the Maple Leafs this season.

As Dreger reported on Insider Trading, Toronto could also flip Benning, allowing them to add an additional asset. There's also Calle Jarnkrok, who hasn't been seen skating since being placed on long-term injured reserve on Oct. 7.

Safe to say it'll be a fascinating few weeks for the Maple Leafs as they juggle their roster situation.