Jani Hakanpaa will make his maple Leafs debut on Wednesday, resulting in Benoit being a healthy scratch. The 26-year-old Benoit has been a regular on the blueline for the Maple Leafs this season, averaging 15:51 time-on-ice, tallying two points (0G / 2A), 29 blocks, and 31 hits in 17 games.
In his first season with the Maple Leafs, Benoit has five points (1G / 4A), 205 hits and 82 blocked shots in 54 games. Benoit gives the Maple Leafs a rugged depth defenseman who will serve as a third-pairing guy during his contract.
Ilya Lyubushkin is battling an illness, which will allow Benoit to re-enter the Maple Leafs' lineup. Benoit has not played the last three games and has been held off the scoresheet in seven straight.
The Maple Leafs do not appear to have anyone noticeably injured so Beniot's recall may be due to precautionary reasons but nonetheless, he finds himself back up with the Maple Leafs after the All-Star break. The 25-year-old signed a one-year minimum contract in the offseason but has been useful for Toronto, with two points (1G/1A), 34 SOG, 33 PIMs and a +2 plus/minus through 35 games this season.
Benoit is expected to make his Maple Leafs' debut on Monday as Maxime Lajoie will be a healthy scratch. Last season, Benoit played 78 games with the Anaheim Ducks, registering 10 points (3G / 10A), 128 blocks, and 216 hits. The hard-hitting defenceman is expected to skate on the Maple Leafs' third pair alongside William Lagesson.
Benoit will be returned to the Marlies (AHL) where he will presumably see some playing time. The 25-year-old defenseman was called up by the Maple Leafs earlier this season but never found his way into the lineup. He had 10 points (3G / 7A) in 78 games with the Anaheim Ducks last season.
Benoit has been sent down and recalled frequently, most likely as a paper transaction. He is expected to serve as the Maple Leafs' No.7/reserve defenseman for Saturday's game against the Wild.
Benoit was recalled from Toronto (AHL) ahead of the Maple Leafs' season opener Wednesday vs. Montreal but was a healthy scratch and has been loaned back to Marlies on Thursday. The 25-year-old defensemen signed a one-year contract worth $775,000 during the offseason with the Maple Leafs after three goals, 10 points and 60 PIMs in 78 games played with Anaheim in 2022-23.
Benoit cleared waivers yesterday but has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL) Wednesday. The 25-year-old defenseman signed a one-year, $775,000 contract during the offseason after three goals, seven assists, 82 SOG, 60 PIMs and a -29 plus/minus in 78 games played with Anaheim in 2022-23.
The Toronto Maple Leafs opened camp Thursday with the news that Simon Benoit is day-to-day with back spasms. The 25-year-old had three goals, seven assists, 60 PIMs, 82 SOG and a -29 plus/minus in 78 games played with Anaheim in 2022-23. Benoit signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Maple Leafs in the offseason and will hope to be back soon as he makes a push to make their opening night roster.
Benoit played his first full NHL season in 2023, posting three goals with seven assists (10 points) in 78 games. The 6-foot-3, 203 lbs. blueliner is known more for his rugged defensive play, blocking 128 shots and laying 216 hits for the Ducks. Given the Maple Leafs' depth, Benoit will likely serve as an extra defenseman or head to the AHL.
Benoit has been in and out of the Ducks lineup through the first four games. Thursday will mark the third time he's been scratched in five games. He'll be replaced by Nathan Beaulieu.
