Concerns Arise as Maple Leafs Defenseman Remains Absent From Practice
Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Unfortunately for the Toronto Maple Leafs, they will be without Simon Benoit for their first preseason game against Ottawa as he deals with an upper-body injury.
The time is finally upon us. It's the first preseason game of the 2025 NHL season, and that means fans are finally getting a taste of what they should expect to see in the coming weeks when the regular season opens up.
However for the Maple Leafs it isn't so peachy as they are dealing with a few injuries already, although it looks like some are at least on the mend and working towards a return.
Benoit Missing Preseason Game As Timeline Remains Unclear
The same can't be said for defenseman Simon Benoit, who is still nursing an upper-body injury and won't be available or traveling for Toronto's game against Ottawa on Sunday afternoon.
He joins Nic Roy and Joseph Woll who are still currently battling injuries and while Woll was absent from Sunday's practice; one with the group staying in Toronto, Roy was back on the ice.
Why Simon Benoit Missing Affects Training Camp Battles
While it was unlikely that Benoit would have been a part of the group in Ottawa anyways, considering the majority are Marlies players and depth NHL candidates, it's nonetheless frustrating that he might not be 100% come the season opener.
Benoit is expected to be regular part of Craig Berube's lineup on the third pairing with Oliver Ekman-Larsson, much like they were the majority of last season. His defensive game can be a little stilted at times but he makes up for it with sheer brutality and recklessness.
Never afraid to lay in a hit or block a shot, Benoit really stepped up his game in the playoffs and while he isn't your most offensive player; he helps in a lot of other ways.
However his absence does open the door for guys like Philippe Myers, Henry Thrun, and William Villeneuve to all stake their claim as potential replacements for Benoit.
Myers is the same type of player as Benoit but with a much bigger frame, heavier shot and better defensive metrics, and the latter two are offensive puck movers who could desperately help the Maple Leafs back end this season.
If they are going to have a strong preseason to start and Benoit is lagging behind, it just made a once solidified defensive group a whole lot more interesting.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 21 | 1807 ANSWERS Concerns Arise as Maple Leafs Defenseman Remains Absent From Practice Do you think Simon Benoit is going to be healthy in time for Toronto's next preseason game? | ||
| Yes | 923 | 51.1 % |
| No | 884 | 48.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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