Benoit was absent from the Leafs lineup on Saturday as he flew home to attend a funeral. He re-joined the team on Monday for practice with head coach Craig Berube confirming that he would be back in the lineup against the Panthers. Dakota Mermis, meanwhile, will be the one coming out as the Leafs look to start stringing some wins together amidst a slow start to the season.
It was an off year. There were things behind the scenes that we all sort of know about. He wasn't a fully healthy player, but he fought through it. I thought he played extremely well for what he was going through. He doesn't just score goals. He does a lot of things. He penalty kills. He goes up against top lines. He is a great defensive player. And there is his work ethic.
