Toronto Maple Leafs Should Re-Sign These 5 Free Agents

Simon Benoit

Editor's Note: While this article was scheduled to be published, the Leafs signed Benoit to a contract extension.

Simon Benoit will become an RFA in the off-season. He has proven over and over again that he deserves to be an NHL regular.

Although Benoit did not make the Leafs roster out of training camp, he did his time in the AHL with the Marlies and waited for his opportunity. Due to injuries on the Leafs defense, Benoit's opportunity came, and he seized it.

Benoit does not play a flashy game and won't register many points. The 6'3, 205 Lbs Benoit likes to hit. He has one goal and three assists for four points in 53 games.

While averaging 16:52 minutes of ice time, Benoit has amassed 79 blocked shots and 200 hits. Compared to previous seasons, his takeaway/giveaway ratio has improved as well. He could be a key component to the Leafs playoff success.

Benoit is making the league minimum of $775,000 this season. He becomes an RFA in the off-season, so the Leafs still own his contractual rights.

I don't see the Leafs having too much trouble re-signing Benoit. He plays the style that Treliving likes, and Benoit appears to enjoy playing for the Leafs. A 2-3 year deal worth between $900,000 and $1.25 million seems realistic for Benoit at this point.

He has never played in the NHL playoffs before, so we will see how he handles it, but I think Benoit is built for playoff hockey. Benoit, along with Ilya Lyubushkin, Jake McCabe, and Joel Edmundson, give the Leafs a much more physical defense than they've had in years past. Hopefully, it helps get the job done.