Leafs Fringe Defenseman Just Made a Huge Statement Right Before the Playoffs

As the Toronto Maple Leafs look toward the playoffs with one goal in mind; a Stanley Cup victory, they are going to have to make sure they have the best possible lineup when they take the ice for the first round against the Ottawa Senators in order to start themselves off on the right foot.

A lot of that is going to come down to who Craig Berube puts in his lineup, including who is going to get the ever crucial start in net.

Joseph Woll has a solid playoff history but Anthony Stolarz has been outstanding this year; but hasn't started a playoff game in his career.

But there's also several questions about who should be brought in to give the team the edge. There are rumors that Max Pacioretty might be on the way back and in the lineup but with him being out for so long, it's going to be a bit hard to justify.

Dakota Mermis made his debut against Carolina on Sunday and played a very solid game and looked very comfortable beside Brandon Carlo; once the injured return he may make a case to play come April 20.

But one defenseman who hasn't gotten a lot of attention (at least positively) is Simon Benoit. Often criticized for his lack of offensive ability, awkward positioning and sometimes careless behavior, Benoit has been mentioned often as a potential scratch not only this season, but for the postseason too.

Though, Toronto fans should probably give him a bit more credit.

Although he hasn't had that outstanding stretch of play, or putting up some crazy numbers, but he's playing his heart out, grinding every shift, and putting his body on the line regardless of the situation.

He's also got some Maple Leafs fans absolutely hyped though, and could lead to great things for the team come playoff time.

Benoit tied his career-high in points with 10, and while he only had one goal, it's the other numbers that are a bit more encouraging.

In 76 games, he's recorded 106 blocks, 201 hits, and a plus-10 rating in only 16:28 TOI; he's been at the very least solid, and he's playing every game like it's going to be his last.

He's also posted some of the best possession metrics of his career, and while his goaltending tandem has to obviously be given a lot of credit; Benoit has prevented a lot of potential goals.

Yes, he stumbles at times and maybe he is caught out of position one too many times. But there's no denying that Benoit can be impactful, even if it doesn't necessarily look like it.

The playoffs depend on players giving their all physically, mentally, and emotionally in order to secure the greatest prize in the sport.

Toronto's got themselves one in Simon Benoit, and he should be given an honest chance to make a difference.