Leafs fans have been very vocal in recent days about Sheldon Keefe's lineup choices. The head coach has continued to scratch popular players, with one defenseman in particular standing out. However, that trend seems to be coming to an end.
Leafs Practice Lines Reveal Popular Defenseman To Return To Lineup
Leafs reporter Mark Masters is always quick to report what the lines are at team pracitces. Today he continued this trend, telling Leafs fans how the team was lined up this morning ahead of their game against the Flyers tomorrow. One player that many Leafs fans have been waiting to see again is Simon Benoit and notably, he appears to be preparing to play on the 2nd pair with Jake McCabe.
Hopefully this move will satisfy those fans that have been critical of Keefe's decisions with his blueline.
Leafs Fans Call Out Keefe For Sitting Top Defenseman
While Benoit has very little offense to offer in his game, he has not-so-quietly developed into one of the NHL's better shutdown defenseman this year. For this reason alone, Leafs fans have been bewildered by Sheldon Keefe's decision to healthy scratch him repeatedly since the trade deadline.
Sheldon Keefe has officially lost his mind. How can he say he's happy with the game when there were horrendous turnovers that cost the game and blew a 3 goal lead? Where is Simon Benoit one of the most consistent defenders? #FireKeefe #LeafsForever
I swear if Simon Benoit is not in the lineup I am going to lose it!! #LeafsForever
The defenseman himself has expressed displeasure in being healthy scratched in this recent stretch. That being said, every player in the league would rather be on the ice than in the press box.