EDMONTON, AB - Matt Benning is itching for action.
The Oilers defender has been slowly rehabbing from the head trauma caused by an Evander Kane stick to the head on Nov. 19, which was only made worse in his Dec. 1, return when a puck struck him in the head against the Vancouver Canucks.
It's resulted in 24 missed games for the Alberta product, who's done nothing more than re-calibrate during a cautious recovery process.
But the blueliner's return seems imminent as Benning was able to join the Oilers on their recent five-game road trip in Montreal to participate in practice sessions.
Concussion injuries can never be taken lightly but it appears as though, finally, Benning could be ready to go soon.
"I don't know if it was one concussion and it re-aggravated or whatever it was but I think it was just taking it cautiously," Benning, detailing the healing period, said. "You only have one head, so, it was one of those ones that were more on the cautious end.
"I've been skating for three or four weeks now. I know that I can get out there and be the same."
After not lacing up and not experiencing the rigours of game action, Benning's used the Oilers practice session to get his stride back and become more comfortable with contact.
BLOG: Benning getting closer to returning
"I've been skating for three or four weeks now. I know that I can get out there and be the same," defenceman Matt Benning told the media on Thursday
