Maple Leafs announce roster move just hours before season opener

The 2023-24 NHL season has officially arrived for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as they'll be taking on the Original 6 and divisional rival Montreal Canadiens tonight at Scotiabank Arena. The journey of 82 games and what fans are hoping will be additional playoff success finally gets underway! 

While the Maple Leafs have announced tonight's lineup, they've also made an additional roster move ahead of the matchup against the Habs. Forward Bobby McMann, who was waived yesterday, cleared and was assigned to the American Hockey League affiliate Toronto Marlies. And in a corresponding move, the team has called up defenseman Simon Benoit. 

The Leafs signed Benoit to a one-year, $775,000 contract in August after he wasn't given a qualifying offer by the Anaheim Ducks. In 78 games played last year, Benoit scored three goals with seven assists. 

He'll be wearing jersey No. 2, which was last worn by Luke Schenn after his re-acquisition at last season's NHL Trade Deadline.

Recommended articles:

• Maple Leafs set to lose a major sponsor
• Major changes coming to Scotiabank Arena in Toronto
• Leafs announce big changes, veteran defenseman announces retirement and rookie Easton Cowan makes the team
• Martin Jones finds out his fate

Recommended articles:

• Another casualty at the Maple Leafs’ training camp!
• Leafs lose a defenseman to injury on Day One of training camp
• Leafs make a move, add some toughness on defense
• Leafs sign one of the hardest hitting defensemen in the NHL
• Maple Leafs sign former ducks defenseman Simon Benoit.