Leafs Defenseman Reveals His True Feelings About Being Benched Last Game

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Dawson McKenzie
March 14, 2024 (12:44)

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After the trade deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs had to do some roster shuffling in order to fit their new additions into the lineup which meant sitting this defenseman.

Benoit Not Happy About Healthy Scratch But Looking Forward to Getting Back Into the Lineup

Simon Benoit has been one of the diamonds in the rough for the Toronto Maple Leafs this year, as he has emerged as a reliable defenseman who has, for the most part, been able to stay healthy this year. However, the Leafs needed to add to their blueline at the deadline, and that meant that Benoit had to sit during the Leafs' last game, in order to get the new faces some playing time.

Now, he has revealed how he wasn't happy about the situation, but he understands it is part of the business.

«If you're happy to be sitting out, I don't think you're in the right sport,» he said. «I'm not happy, but I understand it's part of the game and I will do my best to get back in there.»

«That (talk with Keefe) is between me and him and for the rest, I have no control how things are going, I can only control how I play," he said. "I know I'll be back in the lineup and I'll be ready.

«It's not my first rodeo. (Healthy scratches) have been through my whole career (with Anaheim). You sit and cry about it, or you go back to work. Right now, it's given me time to touch up some stuff and be ready for playoffs or when they need me.»

Leafs Edge Out Canadiens With New Lineup in Play

The Leafs were able to sport their new lineup against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night, edging out the close victory with a last-period goal from captain John Tavares.

Hopefully, for Leaf fans, this lineup is the one that will give them some success in the postseason, as this is a different look Maple Leafs' team than has been rostered in the past.

As seen on Hockey Feed - "Simon Benoit admits he's upset at Leafs"