Simon Benoit Takes a Jab at Former Maple Leaf Michael Bunting: What Happened?

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Chris Gerics
October 13, 2024 (5:00 PM)

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Simon Benoit wasn't mincing words on Saturday when he criticized former Toronto Maple Leafs player Michael Bunting for being unethical with how he plays the game.

The two players clashed on Saturday when the Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs faced off, and while Toronto came away with the 4-2 victory, some of Pittsburgh's antics may have drawn the ire of Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit.

Speaking after the game, Benoit touched upon the fact that former Toronto Maple Leafs player and current Penguins forward Michael Bunting was playing the game with a less-than-ethical mindset, and took umbrage with the fact that Bunting was flopping around like a fish out of water:

"He's good at his job," admitted Benoit. "I've played against him a couple of years now. That's part of his game. I just don't like divers."

It's clear Benoit has no respect or time for Bunting's antics, and while it may have benefitted Toronto for Bunting to be shakier on his feet when he does it against you it can give a bad impression. Bunting did have a successful two-year stint with the Maple Leafs, exploding for 46 goals and 66 assists in 161 games for Toronto before signing with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2023-2024. Pittsburgh picked him up from the Hurricanes for a package centered around Jake Guentzel, who subsequently signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning this offseason. Benoit has been a solid third-pairing defender for Toronto since coming over from Anaheim; not afraid to throw his body in front of pucks or at other players and always showing heart and grit even if he doesn't score too often.

One would think perhaps Benoit would be a little more mellow since becoming a father, however it's clear there is no love lost between the two players. Bunting, along with Kyle Dubas and his merry men of former Maple Leafs always seem to get the better of the Maple Leafs so it's refreshing to see Toronto dominate and come away with the win. It had to feel good not only because it's early in the season but it came at the expense of their former GM; right after beating their former coach Sheldon Keefe on Thursday.

The next time Simon Benoit and Michael Bunting will butt heads is December 7th, giving both men more than enough time to either hash out their differences or create even more tension.

Just don't expect Benoit to use only his words if Bunting decides to audition for the Olympic diving team next time they meet.