The sense of family connection is felt as the Florida Panthers continue to pursue a spot in the 2026 NHL playoffs, working to build a family legacy within the franchise. Although perhaps unintentional, it remains effective. In this context, coach Paul Maurice is looking to add more depth and, consequently, is giving opportunities to new players like Mike Benning.
Being born in a hockey family doesn’t automatically seal the deal. Any player needs to find their path. But perhaps, it can add extra pressure and expectations when an athlete is the son of a former NHL defenseman, a nephew of a former Vancouver Canucks general manager, a brother of a professional player, and a grandson of a former NHL scout. Once upon a time, the 24-year-old blueliner’s father, Brian Benning, played for the Florida Panthers for two seasons, from 1993 to 1995. Mike wasn’t even born when the newly founded South Florida franchise joined the NHL, and his dad moved to the Sunshine State. Moreover, as Brian Benning finished his playing career with the Florida Panthers, Mike started his by being selected by the same team.
Mike Benning’s journey continued when he was drafted in the fourth round, 95th overall, by the Panthers in 2020. Following strong performances in the AJHL, he joined the University of Denver program and eventually signed an entry-level NHL contract with the Panthers in April 2023. Recording 26 points in 72 games in 2023-2024 and 32 points in 52 matchups in the 2024-2025 campaign with the Charlotte Checkers, he quickly proved his skill set. Notably, these are impressive numbers for a 5’9 defenseman. As the saying goes, “Patience is a virtue.” After signing a new two-way contract in August 2025, Mike’s perseverance paid off; it took him almost seven months and 31 points in 56 contests with the Checkers this season to finally get his shot at the NHL.
His hard work culminated in a debut for the Panthers on March 12 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. In that game, his effort and a secondary assist contributed to the Cats’ 2-1 overtime victory
Building on that momentum, the recent road trip to the West provided another special moment for the Benning family. Mike, born in Edmonton, had played in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League and now finally enjoyed his first NHL opportunity “at home.” While the Panthers played with discipline and structure, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 4-0, the Benning family celebrated his homecoming success. Mike Benning didn’t register any shots on goal but collected two assists in 20 shifts and 15:43 of ice time.
Hockey Legacy
With his NHL debut, Benning further expands his family legacy, joining the ranks of active NHL players with deep family ties to the sport. This mirrors the journey of Panthers’ captain Sasha Barkov. Just last May, Barkov was busy in the Stanley Cup playoffs while also sharing in his father Alexander Barkov Sr.’s joy, as he coached MHK Spartak Moskva of the Junior Hockey League (MHL) to a championship. During the Hockey on the Beach podcast, Barkov Sr. revealed that Sasha had supported the Spartak team, shared motivational messages, and helped inspire them to capture the Kharlamov trophy. From the beginning, Barkov Sr. said his son was always a different type of player, focusing on battling for loose pucks and creating opportunities rather than rushing plays or simply scoring.
As the Florida Panthers continue their push toward the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, stories like Mike Benning’s shape the team’s identity, built on perseverance and family tradition, as much as they add roster depth.
For Benning, the journey is not just about honoring a family name. It is about showing that while hockey tradition matters, success in the NHL is earned on every shift.