Simon Benoit signs new contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs

On Friday morning, it was announced that the young defenseman Simon Benoit signed a new contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs!

The Leafs' general manager Brad Treliving agreed with Benoit on the terms of a three-year deal, valued at $1.35M AAV.

Benoit signs three-year contract with the Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs shared an official statement:






Benoit, 25, signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Leafs last August, and showed that he deserved to be in the organization.

He played two games with the Marlies this season, and 52 with the Maple Leafs.

With all the injuries that hit the Leafs' defensive unit this season, it's great to see that an undrafted player, who had the odds against him, rose to the occasion and earned a full-time spot.

Benoit in a position to play big minutes for the Maple Leafs amid last stretch before the playoffs

The Maple Leafs are currently in their last stretch of the season. With Timothy Liljegren, who could possibly be sidelined for a while, Benoit will have the opportunity to play important minutes for the team.

Last night, both the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers clinched their playoff spot. The pressure is now on the Maple Leafs, who could secure the final spot in their division.

Behing them, they still have a comfortable lead over the Detroit Red Wings, but it's the Tampa Bay Lightning who could cause a surprise, as they are closing in on the Leafs. Only three points separate both teams, who have played the same number of games.

More to come.

Source: Hockey Patrol - Benoit signs three-year extension with the Maple Leafs