The Detroit Red Wings have been evidently looking for defensive help this season. They swung for the fences with Quinn Hughes but came up short. The club reportedly looked into landing Rasmus Andersson, but also seemingly backed off.
Despite purposely stepping away from the two biggest names in this year’s trade market, the Red Wings could be looking for some help on the blue line. It’s evident that GM Steve Yzerman isn’t looking to break the bank, so why not kick the tires on a much more cost-effective option?
That option could be the Toronto Maple Leafs blueliner Simon Benoit. Benoit landed on the latest iteration of Chris Johnston’s trade board. Benoit came in at #19, suggesting there’s a fair chance Benoit could be on the move at some point before the trade deadline.
Johnston offered the following insights into the physical nature of Benoit’s game, including his limited offensive upside:
“A prototypical defensive defenseman who puts his body on the line by blocking shots and playing opponents physically, Benoit has endured some recent scratches. The Leafs have a number of depth options at the position, and Benoit represents a player who could bring back some value with a cap-friendly contract that runs through next season. That’s the main reason his name has recently started making the rounds. What you see is what you get with Benoit, who has extremely limited offensive impacts.”
That’s a thorough, accurate description of what Benoit brings to the table. He’s the sort of third-pairing blueliner the Red Wings could use as part of a shutdown pairing. Most importantly, he adds a physical dimension to Detroit’s blue line.
How Benoit Fits Red Wings’ Mold
Benoit fits the Red Wings mold reasonably well. Benoit is still young enough to make a long-term impact on the club. He’s 27 and set to become a UFA in 2027. And that’s the key. He’s got one more year left at a highly palatable cap hit. If Benoit washes out for some reason, the Wings could pretty much bury him in the AHL for one season. His cap hit would virtually be nil if he landed in the minors.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to see Benoit partner with Axel Sandin-Pellikka, providing the 20-year-old some cover. If anything, Benoit could be a younger, cheaper replacement for Ben Chiarot. Benoit comes with a $1.35 million cap hit for this season and next. That situation makes him a potentially attractive piece moving forward for the Red Wings.
Acquisition Cost for Benoit Wouldn’t Be Prohibitive
The acquisition cost for Benoit shouldn’t be prohibitive for the Red Wings. The Maple Leafs will likely be looking for a couple of late-round picks, if possible. However, it wouldn’t be a stretch to see Toronto ship Benoit out for a mid-round pick. That’s something the Red Wings could certainly afford to do.
In any event, the Leafs may want a player in return. So, something like a seventh-round pick and a middling prospect could be the job done. Even that return could be an egregious overpay. But the Red Wings would be remiss if they didn’t at least kick the tires on Benoit.
While there may be other more enticing options available, like say, Justin Faulk, Benoit could be a solid, cost-effective option for the Red Wings.
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