Michael Benning is an interesting prospect out of the Alberta Junior Hockey League who lit it up as a defenceman in his draft year. He is a good skater, capable of moving in all directions with ease. The biggest knock on his skating is a lack of elite top speed, but that can come with simple strength training. Benning is the archetypal offensive defenceman. His good hands allow him to connect on stretch passes, stickhandle his way out of trouble in his own end, along with the ability to walk the blueline in the offensive zone. Benning is a great quarterback for the powerplay. Defensively, he leaves much to be desired as he lacks strength making him susceptible to losing puck battles and has a tendency to get caught up ice as he loves to join the rush. This of course can be infuriating for coaches. Benning will draw Cale Makar comparisons, and they can be valid but its heavily based off style of play rather than potential. Best case scenario, Benning is a middle pairing D-man in the NHL who can quarterback a powerplay.