James Benning (born April 29, 1963 in Edmonton, Alberta) is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman. Drafted in the first round (6th overall) in the 1981 NHLentry draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, he played 605 games over nine seasons for the Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks, compiling 52 goals and 191 points. Following his playing career, he served an amateur scout for the Anaheim Ducks (93–94) and then joined the Buffalo Sabres as a scout (1994–98) and as Director of Amateur Scouting (1998–2004). He is presently the Assistant General Manager of the Boston Bruins.