Maple Leafs Defenseman Could Be Luke Schenn's Replacement

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Dawson Mckenzie
September 28, 2023 (7:10 PM)

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The Maple Leafs may have found the ideal replacement for Luke Schenn in this unlikely defenseman.

Simon Benoit Could Be the Next Big Physical Defenseman for the Leafs

After Simon Benoit couldn't reach an agreement with the Anaheim Ducks, Leafs GM Brad Treliving took quick action in picking up the 6'3" 203-pound defenseman for a low-risk, 1-year $800,000 contract.

Benoit suffered from lower back spasms the first week of camp, but has now shed his no-contact jersey and is getting up to speed with the club. As of now, he is slated to potentially be in the Leafs' 4th defensive pairing, but he could quickly rise up the ranks due to his extensive NHL experience.

Benoit plays a physical game, one that mimics former Leaf Luke Schenn, and credits his past successes with his ability to focus on defence first.

"I have a really physical game," Benoit says. "For me, the most important part is just being physical, being reliable defensively. And if I can bring some offence, good. But I know it's not my main focus. I just want to be hard to play against and not letting the guys come to the net."

Benoit Has Experience Logging Big Minutes in the NHL

The Leafs are making out to be the huge beneficiary from signing Benoit, as the former Duck has logged major minutes for the Ducks last season, averaging 19:21 minutes per night.

The Leafs have had a big gap on defence for several years now, always being one of the major question marks for the Leafs' roster going into playoffs. Benoit is an inexpensive experiment that could very well solve that issue for the club.

As seen on Sportsnet - "'It's a win for Toronto': Simon Benoit vows to make Maple Leafs roster"