Leafs make a move, add some toughness on defense

This just in, the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed free agent defenseman Simon Benoit to a one year contract worth $775,000.

From the Leafs' press release announcement:

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that the hockey club has signed defenceman Simon Benoit to a one-year contract worth $775,000.

Benoit, 24, skated in 78 games with the Anaheim Ducks last season, registering three goals and seven assists. The 6'3, 208-pound defenceman has recorded 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 137 career regular season games, all with Anaheim.

The Laval, QC native was originally signed by the San Diego Gulls (AHL) as a free agent on September 27th, 2018. 

The 24 year old Benoit played 78 games with the Anaheim Ducks last season, his sophomore campaign. He managed three goals and 10 points, but is mostly known for his physical play. Standing 6 foot 3 inches and weighing 205 pounds, Benoit punches above his weight class and has no problem mixing it up with anyone. He was one of the hardest hitting defensemen in the league last season, throwing 216 hits for 21st league-wide. Not bad for a guy who averaged third pairing minutes all season long. Look for the Leafs to utilize him in a similar role that they used Jordie Benn in last season.

No one's ever going to mistake him for Raymond Bourque or Nicklas Lidstrom, but he's a solid defensive defenseman who can provide the Leafs with some grit and toughness on the third pairing.