Maple Leafs consider Simon Benoit trade to enhance playoff readiness
The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a position of surplus on their defensive line, prompting speculation about potential trades. With a roster featuring nine NHL-caliber defensemen, the team is expected to narrow it down to seven, creating a scenario where one or two players might be on the move. This could lead to an opportunity for the Maple Leafs to bolster their forward corps while adjusting the makeup of their defense.
Analyzing the Situation with Simon Benoit
Among the defensemen in discussion is Simon Benoit, a physical presence on the ice whose hard-hitting style has drawn both attention and scrutiny. Maple Leafs analyst Thomas Williams highlighted Benoit’s situation, noting the team’s desire to enhance its roster quickly. He wrote, “Moving out Benoit and adding this hypothetical puck-moving defenseman in either the same or a separate trade would suddenly change the dynamic of this blue line for the better.”
Benoit, at just 26 years old, may seem like an asset, but he faces stiff competition from established blueliners such as Chris Tanev, Jake McCabe, and Brandon Carlo. Williams pointed out that maintaining Benoit alongside these players could be excessive, leading to discussions about his potential departure.
Trade Dynamics and Contractual Factors
One significant factor in Benoit’s trade potential is his lack of trade protection, allowing the Maple Leafs to deal him without needing his consent. Currently, Benoit is in the second year of a three-year, $4.05 million contract, making him an appealing target for teams looking for a reliable shutdown defenseman. Despite a tumultuous previous season, where he faced challenges both on and off the ice, Benoit proved his worth, notably scoring an overtime winner during the first round of the playoffs against the Ottawa Senators.
Reflecting on his performance, Benoit acknowledged the difficulties he encountered during the season, particularly as he adjusted to life with a newborn. “I struggled a little bit at the beginning of the season; my game wasn’t quite there yet,” he admitted. “Management was good enough to just let me take my sleep back and work my way through it.” His eventual success, with a total of 1 goal and 9 assists in 78 regular-season games, as well as 1 goal and 1 assist in 13 playoff encounters, demonstrates his resilience.
Treliving’s Strategy and Team Needs
Since Brad Treliving took over as general manager, he has been strategic in reshaping the Maple Leafs’ blue line. His vision has revolved around making the team tougher to play against, a goal that seems to be taking shape. Yet, insiders like James Mirtle suggest that the Maple Leafs still need a more dynamic puck-moving option on defense. “They’d like to somehow get another puck mover back there,” Mirtle noted, indicating that trading one of the more defensively-oriented players like Benoit could be the pathway to achieving that goal.
The Maple Leafs faced challenges in the playoffs, particularly against the Florida Panthers, where their inability to manage the opposition’s forecheck became evident. Mirtle pointed out that addressing this issue is crucial for the team’s chances moving forward. “Treliving and Berube have to solve that somehow, or they’ll just be hoping to get luckier next spring.”
With less than a month remaining before the new season kicks off, the Maple Leafs are under pressure to make impactful decisions that could shape their playoff aspirations. The potential trade of Simon Benoit could be a significant step in addressing the team’s needs and enhancing their competitive edge.
