'I Haven't Been Playing Great': Simon Benoit Returns To Maple Leafs Lineup Against Lightning In Fight To Keep His Spot

Simon Benoit has found himself in a familiar, but different position.

After starting this season as an everyday regular defenseman in the Toronto Maple Leafs' lineup the 26-year-old defenseman was a healthy scratch for the last two games.

The defenseman wasn't surprised by his recent benching.

"I haven't been playing great, so I just need to get back to my A-game here. It's so important to show that I'm there mentally and I just have to execute," Berube told The Hockey News ahead of their game agains

Expected to be a dependable shutdown defenseman, Benoit has struggled this compared to his defensive teammates. Six of his defensive teammates who have all seen regular action this season have an expected goal percentage of over 50 percent according to NaturalStatTrick.com. A number below that is seen as bad, but Benoit's is blow 40 at 38.29 percent.

"I'm just going back to the basics. I know what I have to do, I know my game," Benoit insisted. "I know what I have to do to be on top of my game, so I just have to execute those little details."

Related: ‘(Jake) McCabe’s Got Experience’: Why Morgan Rielly Is Getting Another New Partner Ahead of Maple Leafs' Matchup With Lightning

Benoit, a native from Laval, a suburb of Montreal, was scratched for his hometown return against the Montreal Canadiens. There was increased competition as Philippe Myers' play this season has seen him move up the ranks. That was until he struggled in the early going of Toronto's wild 7-3 comeback win against the Canadiens on Saturday night.

“It wasn’t personal it’s part of the game," Benoit said. "I’m more angry at myself. Obviously, not being in the lineup pisses me off, but I have to be better. It’s on me. It’s all about the team."

Related: 'They're Hard Decisions': Why Maple Leafs Defenseman Simon Benoit Will Be Healthy Scratch Against His Hometown Canadiens

A shuffling up of defense has opened the door for Benoit to return on Monday.

Benoit joined the Maple Leafs last season after not receiving a qualifying offer from the Anaheim Ducks the previous summer. He signed a one-year, $775,000. Back spasm in training camp derailed his start to the season and the player began 2023-24 with the Toronto Marlies. He eventually found his way back to the Leafs and won the club over by leading them with 246 hits. He ranked among the top five in the NHL in hits per game, solidified his value to Toronto.

Those are something of the things that earned the defenseman a three-year contract extension worth $1.35 million per season.

Related: Why the Maple Leafs Signed Simon Benoit to Three-Year, $4.05 Million Extension

"I talked to him about his game and things he's got to do a little bit better. And, you know, it was just more of a reset for him," Berube said. "He's going to be an important piece tonight for us. And just wanted to switch out him and Myers. I mean, it's just a little bit of a rotation right now."

Limiting mistakes and delivering more timely hits could help Benoit find his swagger again. Benoit is averaging over one less hit per game this season than last.

"Right now it's just me beating myself, so I just like to win that fight against myself and taking my spot back," Benoit said. "Last year I was fighting to get a spot. This year I'm fighting to keep my spot. It's not the same. But it's the same fighting aspect. It's just this year I've been beating myself."

Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.