Simon Benoit may not be the most gifted offensive player, but he is useful in his own way for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound defenseman took advantage of injuries on the blue line to carve out a position, and he brings another dimension to the Queen City club: physical play.
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On Wednesday, after the game against his former team, the Anaheim Ducks, the Quebec native received the game's hero belt in the locker room. Auston Matthews had just scored his 30th goal to give his team an overtime victory.
“I can’t score a damn goal, but I enjoy scoring guys for you,” Benoit told his teammates, according to Sportsnet.
Naturally, the 25-year-old guard hasn't scored a point in 22 games this season. He easily makes up for his lack of inspiration by throwing himself in front of pucks and delivering solid over-the-shoulder shots.
“To be honest, we prefer not to give Benoit too many offensive assignments,” admitted head coach Sheldon Keefe. […] He is our greatest defender. He is our most physical defender. And I think he continues to improve.”
A need
Apparently, despite all his sacrifices, Benoit is increasingly appreciated by his work colleagues. His efforts are being noticed and that really pleases an offensive defender like Morgan Rielly.
“He was impressive,” he told Sportsnet. In the last few weeks he has really had the opportunity to show what kind of player he is. He is a colossus who likes to be physical. He is powerful and can also move the puck.
“I play in their system. They need a guy who hits, who plays physical, who blocks the blue line, and I think I do that well,” said Benoit, now a proud Maple Leafs bearer.
As for the goals, the Laval resident could end up sorting out the situation. One thing is for sure: If Keefe's words are to be believed, it should never come from the power game.