Leafs defenseman endears himself to Leafs teammates with elite quote following comeback win
Photo credit: Sportsnet
The Toronto Maple Leafs came out of the Christmas break a bit flat, dropping 3 straight games, which was definitely concerning to some. However, when they set out on the road for California for their 3-game road trip against Los Angeles, Anaheim and San Jose, it appears as though they brought their A-game with them.
The Leafs blanked the Kings 3-0 on Tuesday before rolling into Anaheim and pulling off a thrilling 2-1 OT win on the heels of solid performances from a number of players on the team on a night where Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal was absolutely on fire, stopping 55 of 57 shots.
There were a number of players who deserved the Player of the Game belt after this one, but the previous belt-holder, Martin Jones, opted to hand the belt off to one of his defensemen, Simon Benoit, who he felt had done an amicable job of protecting him and laying his body on the line.
As Jones passed the belt off to Benoit, the Laval, Quebec native dropped a quote that endeared him to the entire team and fanbase, and it even drew a few laughs and grins as well.
"Well, thanks guys. I can't score a f***ing goal, but I'm glad to hit the bodies for you guys."
Benoit had fired 4 shots on goal on Wednesday in Anaheim, blocked 2 shots and although he was physical all night, he was only credited with one hit during the game in a little over 15 minutes of ice time.
Benoit has played very well for the Leafs this season, despite a late start to his 2023-24 campaign as he had worked his way back from an injury. He has played a larger role than originally anticipated and, much to the delight of the Leafs organization and Leafs Nation, he has actually faired quite well.
There's been a huge push from the fanbase in recent weeks, calling for the team to offer Benoit a contract extension. He has certainly played well enough to warrant one, but if the Leafs are interested in keeping him around beyond this season, it will all come down to the dollars and cents, as we all know.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 5 | 1082 ANSWERS Leafs defenseman endears himself to Leafs teammates with elite quote following comeback win What's the maximum AAV you'd pay Simon Benoit on a mutli-year extension if you were the Leafs' GM? | ||
| Over $3M per season | 57 | 5.3 % |
| $2M-$3M | 428 | 39.6 % |
| $1M-$2M | 496 | 45.8 % |
| $775K-$1M | 101 | 9.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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