Craig Berube Reveals Why Simon Benoit Has Been a Healthy Scratch as of Late
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit has been a healthy scratch for two games in a row and head coach Craig Berube recently gave a reason why.
With Jake McCabe returning to the Maple Leafs lineup, Simon Benoit was the odd man out against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday.
Tonight, the Maple Leafs are going up against the Montreal Canadiens and once again, Benoit has been listed as a healthy scratch.
Simon Benoit gets vote of confidence from Craig Berube
While speaking to the media after the morning skate, Craig Berube was asked about Benoit and his status moving forward.
As the head coach explained, the defenseman is a victim of circumstance and they just need him to stay the course.
Benny has done a good job for us this year. We love Benny. He is a physical guy who does a good job in our own zone and killing penalties.
These are hard decisions we make as coaches sometimes. They are hard decisions. We'd like them all in [the lineup], but we can't have everybody in. It's something we're going through right now, and he will get back in and do a good job for us. I know he will.»
Simon Benoit has been the victim of ruthless criticism this season, despite having a net rating of +2.
Moreover, he is not an offensive guy by any means, with zero goals and four assists on the season thus far.
Regardless, the Leafs appear to be quite deep on the defensive end right now, and that is a good position to be in heading to the postseason.
While this may not be the situation he wants to be in, Benoit still has an opportunity to shine for Toronto.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 18 | 211 ANSWERS Craig Berube Reveals Why Simon Benoit Has Been a Healthy Scratch as of Late Do you believe Simon Benoit can get back into the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup? | ||
| YES | 182 | 86.3 % |
| NO | 29 | 13.7 % |
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