Oilers Ink Matt Benning to Two-Year Deal

The Edmonton Oilers signed defenceman Matthew Benning to a two-year contract on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Benning appeared in 41 games with the Northeastern Huskies (Hockey East) last season, posting six goals and 13 assists with 37 penalty minutes. He also served as an alternate captain with the Huskies, helping Northeastern to its first Hockey East Championship since 1988 and advancing to the NCAA tournament.

The blueliner spent three seasons with Northeastern University in the Hockey East conference, appearing in 110 career NCAA games, accumulating 56 points (9G, 47A) and 101 penalty minutes.

The St. Albert, Alberta native also spent one season with the United States Hockey League’s (USHL) Dubuque Fighting Saints (2012-13), and two seasons with the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s (AJHL) Spruce Grove Saints (2010-12).

Matthew Benning is the son of former NHL and Oiler defenceman Brian Benning.

Matthew Benning was originally selected by the Boston Bruins in the 6th round, 175th overall in the 2012 NHL Draft.