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Toronto Marlies defenseman to make his Maple Leafs debut against the Islanders
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
With the Toronto Maple Leafs looking to switch things up against the New York Islanders, a Marlies defenseman has found himself with a spot in the lineup.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have had numerous injuries to their defensive core this season, and some of their defenseman haven't been particularly good.
One of those players is Philippe Myers, for whom some fans have lost patience. Against the Winnipeg Jets, he was awful, and fans wanted him out of the lineup.
The Leafs are playing the New York Islanders tonight, and in the eyes of many, it would be beneficial to put a different defenseman in the lineup.
Unfortunately, there aren't many guys left to choose from right now due to all of the injuries. However, Matt Benning, a defenseman acquired in last year's Timothy Liljegren trade with the San Jose Sharks, is available.
Matt Benning to make his Maple Leafs debut
In fact, according to David Alter of The Hockey News, it has been confirmed that Matt Benning will be in the lineup tonight instead of Myers.
This was a major decision, and it just so happens that this will be Benning's debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.
Benning is 31 years old and has played 464 games in the NHL. Unfortunately, with the Leafs organization, he has been forced into a life in the AHL.
This season, he has 10 points in 16 games with the Marlies and has certainly earned this opportunity with the Maple Leafs.
If he can perform better than Philippe Myers, then some difficult conversations are going to have to be had about what the Leafs need to do next.
This is a Leafs team vying to make the playoffs, and with their current deficit, they need all of their players contributing at a high level.