"Simon Benoit rejoined the team during Monday's practice in Florida, missing only Saturday's 7-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 27-year-old Laval native has contributed two assists, 55 hits, and 34 blocked shots in 23 games this season. He averages around 18 minutes of ice time per game and is widely recognized for his role as a shutdown defenseman on the Leafs' blueline."
"The start of the season has not been easy for Benoit. He has admitted to struggling in his performance compared to last year. During the 2024-25 season, Benoit emerged as a reliable defenseman for Toronto, highlighted by his overtime winner against the Ottawa Senators in Game 3 of the First Round. His speed, size, and ability to neutralize opposing forwards made him a key contributor on both even-strength and penalty-killing units."
"Toronto's defensive woes have been well-documented this season, with injuries to key players leaving gaps on the back end. Brandon Carlo and Chris Tanev remain on injured reserve with no timeline for return, forcing Benoit to often pair with Dakota Mermis or Philippe Myers. His ability to stabilize the third pairing is crucial, and his return provides a boost in both confidence and depth for the Leafs."
Simon Benoit rejoined practice in Florida after missing only the Saturday 7-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 27-year-old Laval native has two assists, 55 hits and 34 blocked shots in 23 games as a shutdown defenseman. Benoit has struggled compared with last year, after emerging in 2024-25 as a reliable defender who scored an overtime winner in the first round. Injuries to Brandon Carlo and Chris Tanev have forced Benoit to pair with Dakota Mermis or Philippe Myers, and his return stabilizes the third pairing. Benoit is projected to move into a top-four role with Oliver Ekman-Larsson and bolster depth as the Leafs pursue competition in the Atlantic Division.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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