This summer, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed 35-year-old defenseman Jordie Benn to a one-year contract for the league minimum of $750,000. (Salary cap info from capfriendly.com)
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Benn as a depth option with a slim chance to make the opening night lineup.
However, with Rasmus Sandin unsigned and the recent injuries to Jake Muzzin and Timothy Liljegren, Benn now has a real chance to make the team.
The Leafs still have a lot of options, but Benn brings physical elements that other players vying for the same role may lack.
Jordie Benn Looking to Make Toronto Maple Leafs Roster
Benn’s ability to play on the right or left side makes him a valuable asset to head coach Sheldon Keefe and the Toronto Maple Leafs. His size and physicality are a bonus. Benn is not afraid to hit and punish opposing players. He’s also not afraid to lay his body on the line to block shots.
What looked like a cheap depth signing with little reward in the summer could be a blessing in disguise. Benn could supply the team with the physicality they lost when Lyubushkin left in free agency. Once the Maple Leafs defense is fully healthy, Benn will lose his roster spot, but for now, he has a great opportunity in front of him.
On the first day of training camp, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that Timothy Liljegren will miss a minimum of six weeks while recovering from hernia surgery. The injury opens the door for Benn to have a shot at making the opening night roster out of training camp. The Muzzin injury opens the door a little further.
Last season, Benn recorded one goal and seven assists for eight points in 39 games. His average ice time was 14:59, and he registered 41 blocked shots and 51 hits. There is no telling how many games Benn will get to play if he makes the team, but making the team is the main focus right now. (Stats from hockey-reference.com)
Benn is not the only one looking to take advantage of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ recent injury problems. Victor Mete is also looking to prove himself at training camp. Mete might have more upside, but he is less physical and doesn’t have as much experience.
Like Benn, Mete signed a one-year deal for the league minimum of $750,000. Both players came to camp as long shots to join the team, and now they will be fighting for a roster spot.