The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed free agent defenseman Simon Benoit to a 1 year, $775K contract the club announced Monday.
A former standout with the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes, Benoit suited up for 78 games with the Anaheim Ducks last season, registering 10pts (3G, 7A) in the process. Over the course of 3 seasons with the Ducks, the 24 year old has amassed 15pts (4G, 11A) across 137 NHL contests.
A 6’3” stay at home defender, Benoit went undrafted before signing with the San Diego Gulls (AHL) as a free agent in September of 2018.
The Laval, QC native is a low risk addition to the Leafs’ backend, as he’ll likely vie for a bottom pairing spot in training camp. With Morgan Rielly, TJ Brodie, John Klingberg, Jake McCabe, Timothy Liljegren, Conor Timmins and Mark Giordano under contract, it’s quite possible that Benoit will serve as a “break in case of emergency” addition to the Leafs, should they face injury issues this fall.
With Auston Matthews now locked up for another 4 years in Toronto, the Leafs faithful will be monitoring William Nylander’s situation as training camp draws nearer.
Photo: Jenn G. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.