Selected by the Panthers in the fourth round (95th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft, Benning racked up 83 points (31 goals, 52 assists) in 101 games over his three seasons at Denver.
Making his mark in the Mile High City, Benning's time at Denver was defined by accolades. In addition to helping the Pioneers win two Penrose Cups as the top team in the NCHC, he scored the game-winning goal in the 2022 NCAA Championship game to lead Denver to its ninth title.
As far as individual awards, Benning was honored as the Most Outstanding Player in the 2022 Frozen Four, and this season he was named the 2023 NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year after ranking fourth among NCAA blueliners in goals (13) and tied for fifth in points (34).
But even after all of those accomplishments, his career is only just getting started.
After putting pen to paper on his three-year, entry-level contract on April 12, Benning will now get a front-row seat to all the inner workings of the NHL as he joins the Panthers for the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
"He's not a stranger to big games or big situations," Panthers general manager Bill Zito said when asked about the talented young prospect. "He's a pretty mature young player. I think it's going to be invaluable, and I think it's going to be a fascinating learning experience for him."
Even though he doesn't have to worry about studying for exams anymore, learning is exactly what these next however many weeks will be about for Benning. For all intents and purposes, the rink has become his new classroom. And since his arrival, he's already picked up quite a bit.
"I'm just watching how they value their on-ice and off-ice habits," Benning said when asked about some of the early things he's learned. "They take care of their bodies and they're dialed in when they come to the rink. It's really amazing. I'll try to pick up some tips here and there."
As for playing the role of teachers, his new teammates are happy to show him the ropes.
"It's awesome for him to be around here at this important time for the year," Panthers defenseman Josh Mahura said. "To be experiencing that is pretty awesome. He's a great kid. He's excited to be here. He's excited to soak everything in. Being around the guys is a lot of fun."
While Benning has yet to join the Panthers for a practice, he has had a chance to hit the ice at FLA Live Arena a few times. On one such occasion, he was joined by fellow defenseman Casey Fitzgerald. A Benning and a Fitzgerald on the ice for the Panthers? It almost feels like the '90s.
An original member of the Panthers, Benning's father, Brian, spent two seasons manning the blue line in South Florida (1993-94 to 1994-95), while Fitzgerald's father, Tom, who was also an original Panther, spent five seasons as one of the team's top forwards (1993-94 to 1997-98).
"It's been kind of crazy," said Benning, whose brother, Matt, also plays in the NHL for San Jose. "Casey and I have talked quite a bit. He's been really nice to me. It's pretty cool for that to happen."
From winning an NCAA Championship to signing his first NHL contract, Benning has fulfilled more than a few lifelong dreams in recent years. But when he finally steps on the ice with the Panthers for his first official practice, he'll be able to cross another item off his to-do list in hockey.
"It's been on my bucket list to just skate with some of these guys," Benning smiled. "That'll be another little dream come true."
