MIKE BENNING

2025-07-28

Scout: Tony

Skating:

Mike is a dynamic skater who is always moving. He has above average Acceleration and Agility.

Passing/Handling:

Mike exhibits above average passing and puck handling. He is able to find his open teammates.

Shooting:

Mike has a hard and accurate slap shot.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Mike sees the ice well and can anticipate where to pass the puck. I would say a majority of the time Mike was a poised player on the ice.

Forechecking:

I did not observe forechecking by Mike during these games.

Defense:

Mike works well in his own zone and with his d partner. Reversing the puck quite a bit, to make puck got out of the zone. Mike also exhibited slightly above average rush defense.

Best Asset:

I would say Mike's two Best assists are passing and IQ.

Biggest Concern:

My biggest concern for Mike is lack of physicality, although for his size his holds his own.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Tier 2/ Middle pair with power play time.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

Mikes dynamic skating, accurate shooting and passing and IQ make him a Tier 2 candidate.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Tier 3/ bottom pair or 7th d , with spotty if any power play.

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

Not enough physicality, Not enough BASH

Stylistic Comparable:

Mike reminds of a slightly less offensive, but more defensive Brain Rafalski.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

If everything goes right Mike could be the "Devon Towes" to the next Cale Makar offensively speaking.

Games Scouted:

2 AHL Games (06/15/25 vs. Abbotsford), (10/25/24 vs Cleveland)