Simon Benoit Bio
Simon Benoit is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman born on September 19, 1998, in Laval, Quebec, Canada. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, Benoit plays the position of defence and shoots left. He currently plays in the National Hockey League and is recognized for his physical, stay-at-home style of play. Over the course of his professional career, Benoit has suited up for the Anaheim Ducks, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and most recently the Philadelphia Flyers.
Undrafted when he entered the professional ranks, Benoit began his career in 2018 and has steadily built a reputation as a reliable defensive blueliner. He is known for delivering hard hits, blocking shots, and providing steady minutes on the back end. His journey from undrafted free agent to NHL regular reflects his work ethic and perseverance.
Early Life and Background
Simon Benoit was born and raised in Laval, Quebec, a city located just north of Montreal that has produced numerous hockey talents. Growing up in a hockey-rich region of Canada, Benoit developed his passion for the game at a young age. He played as a youth player in the Ligue de hockey M18 AAA du Québec with the Laval-Montréal Rousseau Royal, where he showcased his defensive skills and physical presence.
His performance in youth hockey earned him recognition, and he entered the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League draft in 2015. The Shawinigan Cataractes selected him in the eighth round, 129th overall, in the 2015 QMJHL Entry Draft. This opportunity marked the beginning of his competitive hockey career at a higher level.
Path to Hockey
After being drafted by the Shawinigan Cataractes, Benoit spent three seasons developing his game in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. During his time with the Cataractes, he refined his defensive play and grew into his role as a physical, dependable defenceman. His steady progression caught the attention of NHL scouts, even though he went undrafted in the NHL Entry Draft.
Following his junior career, Benoit signed a one-year contract with the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League on September 25, 2018. The Gulls served as the primary affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, giving Benoit a clear pathway to the NHL. His strong play in the AHL quickly positioned him as a prospect worth watching within the Ducks organization.
Simon Benoit Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Simon Benoit began his professional career with the San Diego Gulls during the 2018–19 season. In his first year as a pro, he impressed by leading the Gulls in plus/minus with a rating of plus-16, while also recording 2 goals and 16 points across 65 regular season games. His responsible two-way play earned him a three-year, entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks on March 8, 2019.
Benoit continued to develop with the San Diego Gulls over the next two seasons, strengthening his defensive game and earning a recall to the NHL. On April 29, 2021, he made his NHL debut with the Anaheim Ducks, appearing on the team’s third defensive pairing in a 3–2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. He played 12 minutes in that game without recording a point.
Anaheim Ducks Era (2021–2023)
During the 2021–22 season, Benoit played his first full NHL campaign with the Anaheim Ducks. On October 28, 2021, he scored his first NHL goal in his eighth game with the Ducks, a game-tying tally against the Buffalo Sabres in a 4–3 overtime loss. This milestone goal marked his arrival as a contributor at the NHL level.
Benoit spent five seasons within the Anaheim Ducks organization, gradually establishing himself as a steady defensive presence. As a pending restricted free agent, he was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Ducks and became an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2023.
Toronto Maple Leafs Era (2023–2026)
On August 28, 2023, Simon Benoit signed a one-year contract worth $775,000 with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After being placed on waivers and assigned to the Toronto Marlies, he was recalled by the Leafs on November 4, 2023, following an injury to Timothy Liljegren. He made his Maple Leafs debut on November 6, 2023, in a 6–5 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
By his 54th game with the Leafs, Benoit had recorded 205 hits, leading the team in that category. His physical play earned him a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $1.35 million. During the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, Benoit recorded a primary assist on Max Domi’s overtime goal in Game 2 against the Ottawa Senators, and scored his first playoff goal in overtime in Game 3 to give Toronto a 3–0 series lead.
Philadelphia Flyers Era (2026–Present)
On June 16, 2026, Simon Benoit was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, along with goaltender Joseph Woll, in exchange for Emil Andrae, Samuel Ersson, and a 2026 third-round pick. This trade marked a new chapter in his NHL career as he joined the Flyers organization.
Playing Style and Strengths
Simon Benoit is widely regarded as a physical, defensive-minded defenceman who excels at delivering hits, blocking shots, and providing steady play in his own zone. His size, strength, and left-handed shot make him a valuable presence on the back end, and he has consistently ranked among team leaders in hits throughout his NHL career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the standout moments of Simon Benoit’s career came during the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs when he scored an overtime goal in Game 3 against the Ottawa Senators, giving the Maple Leafs a commanding 3–0 series lead. His first NHL goal, scored on October 28, 2021, against the Buffalo Sabres, also remains a memorable milestone in his professional journey.
Simon Benoit Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Simon Benoit was born and raised in Laval, Quebec, in a community deeply connected to the sport of hockey. While details about his parents and upbringing remain private, his Quebec roots have played a significant role in shaping his development as a player. His path from undrafted junior player to NHL regular is a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Personal Life
Simon Benoit has one child, born in September 2024, with his longtime girlfriend. He tends to keep his personal life private, focusing public attention on his professional hockey career. His family life remains an important part of his motivation and stability as a player.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a defining year for Simon Benoit with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He played a significant role on the blueline, providing physicality, defensive responsibility, and timely contributions. His leadership in hits and shot-blocking helped anchor the Leafs’ defensive corps throughout the regular season.
During the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, Benoit elevated his game, recording key plays including a primary assist on Max Domi’s overtime goal in Game 2 against the Ottawa Senators. Two days later, he scored his first career playoff goal in overtime in Game 3, giving Toronto a 3–0 series lead and energizing the team.
Following the season, Benoit was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers on June 16, 2026, opening a new chapter in his career. His strong 2025 performance positioned him as a dependable NHL defenceman heading into his next opportunity.
