Simon Benoit is a 27-year-old Canadian professional ice hockey Defenseman (born September 19, 1998, in Laval, Quebec) currently playing for the Flyers. He is 6’4 and weighs 210 pounds, shoots left, and is known as a big, physical, stay-at-home depth Defenseman.
Career Move
On June 16, 2026, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded Benoit (along with Goaltender Joseph Woll) to the Flyers in exchange for goaltender Samuel Ersson, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a 2026 third-round pick. He is entering the final year of a 3-year, $4.05 million contract ($1.35M cap hit), making him an unrestricted free agent after the 2026-27 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Benoit is an undrafted player who worked his way up through the QMJHL (Shawinigan Cataractes) and AHL before sticking in the NHL. He is a rugged, physical defender valued for:
- Size and physicality — Strong in the corners, willing to hit, block shots, and fight when needed (he has a reputation for toughness, including an infamous “Superman punch” in fights).
- Defensive reliability in a shutdown or bottom-pair role.
- Shot-blocking and net-front presence.
Benoit is not a puck-mover or high-offense player—his game is about simplicity, physical deterrence, and contributing through effort rather than skill.
Limitations:
- Low offensive production.
- Can struggle with puck retrieval and zone exits at times.
- Takes penalties (aggressive style).
- Advanced metrics often show below-average possession numbers when sheltered or in tougher matchups.
NHL Stats:
- 6 G, 30 A, 36 PTS
- -40 +/-
- 240 PIM
2025-26 Season
- 0 G, 6 A, 6 PTS
- -22 +/-
- 41 PIM
- ~17:18 TOI/GP
- Strong in hits (194) and blocks (114), but poor possession (CF% around 40%, low xGF%).
Benoit has played for the Anaheim Ducks (earlier career) and the Toronto Maple Leafs before the recent trade to the Flyers. His playoff experience is limited, with modest contributions.BackgroundBenoit grew up a Montreal Canadiens fan in Laval, Quebec. As an undrafted player, his path involved battling at every level (including being waived/released early on). He signed with Anaheim as a free agent in 2019 and has carved out a consistent NHL role through grit.
In short, Simon Benoit is a classic depth physical Defenseman—a big body who brings toughness, blocks, and hits without much offensive upside. He’s useful on a bottom pair or as a 7th D for teams needing size and reliability, but he’s not a top-4 or high-minute player. Benoit’s new start in Philadelphia gives him a chance to stabilize a Flyers blue line that values size and physical play.
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