Simon Benoit Bio
Simon Benoit is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He began his career in 2018 and has since played for the Anaheim Ducks and their AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls. Benoit made his NHL debut in the 2021 season and has recently signed a new contract with the Maple Leafs for the upcoming season. He has one child born in September 2024 with his longtime girlfriend.
Early Life and Background
Simon Benoit was born on September 19, 1998, in Laval, Quebec, Canada. Growing up in a hockey-loving region, he was exposed to the sport at an early age. Benoit played youth hockey in the Ligue de hockey M18 AAA du Québec with the Laval-Montréal Rousseau Royal, where he began to develop his skills as a defenceman. His talent was recognized when he was drafted by the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in the eighth round of the 2015 QMJHL Entry Draft.
Path to Hockey
After being drafted, Simon Benoit played three seasons with the Shawinigan Cataractes in the QMJHL. His performance caught the attention of professional scouts, leading to his signing as an undrafted free agent with the San Diego Gulls, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, in September 2018. In his first professional season, he demonstrated his potential by leading the Gulls in Plus/Minus with a +16 rating and contributing 2 goals and 16 points over 65 regular season games.
Simon Benoit Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Benoit began his professional career with the San Diego Gulls in the 2018-19 season. His impressive play earned him a three-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks, starting in the 2019-20 season. During the 2020-21 season, Benoit made his NHL debut on April 29, 2021, in a game against the Los Angeles Kings. He played on the Ducks’ third defensive pairing, gaining valuable experience in the league.
Breakthrough (2021–2023)
In the 2021-22 season, Simon Benoit scored his first NHL goal on October 28, 2021, in a game against the Buffalo Sabres. This marked a significant milestone in his career as he transitioned to a full-time NHL player. Over the next few seasons, he continued to develop his game and solidify his role within the Ducks organization. After five seasons, Benoit became a restricted free agent but was not tendered a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Notable Works and Milestones
Benoit signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on August 28, 2023. Although he initially did not make the team out of training camp, he was later recalled and made his debut for the Maple Leafs in a victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 6, 2023. Throughout the season, Benoit has been recognized for his physical play, leading the team in hits.
Simon Benoit Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Simon Benoit has not received any major award nominations, but his consistent performance has earned him recognition within the NHL community.
Simon Benoit Awards Won
Simon Benoit has not won any major awards during his career thus far, but his contributions to his teams have been significant, particularly in terms of his defensive play and physical presence on the ice.
Simon Benoit Family
Simon Benoit has one child, born in September 2024, with his longtime girlfriend. Details about his family background and upbringing remain private.
Personal Life
Simon Benoit maintains a relatively low profile regarding his personal life. He is focused on his career in professional hockey while balancing family responsibilities with the arrival of his child in 2024.
