Simon Benoit has harsh words for former Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting after a dive

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Tom Banks
October 13, 2024 (3:43 PM)

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Simon Benoit has become a key piece of the Maple Leafs blue line in recent times, and on Saturday, he called out former Leaf Michael Bunting in a big way.

The Toronto Maple Leafs matched up with the Pittsburgh Penguins for their home opener on Friday, welcoming in former GM Kyle Dubas and former forward Michael Bunting in the process. It was the latter that caused some issues however, as Bunting, who has been given the reputation as a bit of a diver was seen doing just that again after Simon Benoit seemingly cross checked him right to the face.

Upon much clearer inspection however, absolutely no contact was made to the face of Bunting, and unsurprisingly, this brought him face-to-face with Benoit several times throughout the game.

After the game, the Maple Leafs defenseman didn't hold back when he was asked about Bunting either, pointing out the massive dive that he took and putting it in simple terms;

«He's good at his job. I've played against him a couple of years now. That's part of his game. I just don't like divers."

The Maple Leafs would go on to pick up their second straight victory on Saturday, showing that they have the talent to get it done against anyone this season, but with Benoit and Bunting going at it, it's unlikely we've heard the last of this. These two teams are set to meet several times throughout this season, and given how both are fighting for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot this year, it should bring plenty of fire and emotion out of them, and it wouldn't surprise anyone to see these two drop the gloves at some point.