Article content
Simon Benoit has truly made the most of his chance with the Maple Leafs.
Article content
Not retained by the Anaheim Ducks last summer, he became a regular in Toronto, a team and fan favourite with his physical edge on defence.
Article content
On Friday, the club announced a three-year contract extension for the 25-year-old from Laval, Que.
The average annual value of the deal is $1.35 million US, ideal for a team that has salary-cap strain from its Core Four forwards and senior defenceman Morgan Rielly.
Benoit initially was kept in reserve in the autumn, spending training camp learning Toronto’s system. But the 6-foot-4, 205-pound undrafted defenceman has now played in 54 games with a goal, four assists and 44 penalty minutes. He pitched in with an assist during Thursday night’s 5-1 win over the Washington Capitals.
Share this article in your social network
