Newly acquired defenseman Matt Benning is staying calm amid trade speculation after joining the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was traded from the San Jose Sharks along with two draft picks in exchange for Timothy Liljegren at the end of October, but now faces uncertainty on a crowded blue line, especially with Jani Hakanpaa and Connor Dewar returning. When speaking to reporters, Benning emphasized his focus on what he can control, saying, “That’s your guys’ job. I don’t really look into that. Whatever comes, comes.” He added that he needs to make it difficult for management to make roster decisions regarding him. TSN insiders Pierre LeBrun and Darren Dreger suggest a trade is likely due to the roster crunch, with GM Brad Treliving needing to create space for returning players. Elliotte Friedman noted that the Leafs are considering the best course of action for Benning, stating that a trade is quite possible. Benning, 30, has played 464 NHL games with the Oilers, Predators, and Sharks, and has a cap hit of $1.25 million. This season, he played seven games for the Sharks without scoring, posting a minus-5 rating in 91:17 minutes of ice time.