The Maple Leafs made long-term commitments to Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Is it enough to remake the look and feel of Toronto's defense? Simon Benoit, otherwise known as ‘The Milkman,’ is back to work ahead of the 2024-25 season. In an Instagram story posted Tuesday, strength and conditioning coach John Chaimberg shared a pair of videos showcasing the Canadian defenseman's intense workout session. In the first video, Benoit is seen performing heavy squats. Chaimberg has also worked alongside three-time Stanley Cup champion and Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang [https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwq7Fy9M1Ny/?img_index=1]. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA4Mzg1MTczMTgyNTU1NTg5/image0-2.jpg] The second story captures Benoit pushing his limits in an impressive display of strength on the ‘Air Bike,’ a challenging exercise machine that uses a fan to generate resistance, requiring the athlete to pedal harder as a full-body, calorie-burning exercise. As seen in the video, in addition to the pedals, air bikes have handlebars that move back and forth, helping to engage both upper and lower body muscles. Chaimberg captioned the video, “@simon_benoit11” monster today,” which Benoit later reposted on his Instagram feed. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA4Mzg1MTg5MDIwMTgyMTYw/img_4715.jpg] The Leafs signed the Laval, Quebec native to a one-year, $775,000 contract in August 2023 after the Anaheim Ducks decided not to extend a qualifying offer to the hard hitter. Through 55 games with the club, Benoit had a goal and four assists. But he wasn’t brought in for his offense. Despite modest point production, Benoit has been a dependable physical presence on the ice, known for his shot-blocking and gritty play. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1EIGVUfkAA[/embed] And that earned him security with the Leafs. His commitment to a hard-nosed style of hockey earned him a three-year, $4.05 million contract extension in March 2024, with an average annual value of $1.35 million. He finished the season playing in 64 regular season games finishing with five points and appearing in all seven of the club’s lone playoff series against the Boston Bruins. Despite playing in only 64 games, Benoit still led the team in hits with 246 with the next closest being Jake McCabe (219). He also averaged a total ice time of 17:14 in 2023-24. "I can't score a f-----' goal, but I'm glad to hit the bodies for you guys," Benoit said after receiving the club's player-of-the-game belt following a 2-1 overtime win against his former team, the Anaheim Ducks on Jan. 3. Benoit quickly became a fan favorite, especially after the 6-foot-3 defenseman revealed his love for milk. The undrafted Benoit acknowledged that he drinks a glass of milk every day before bed [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/i-drink-milk-every-single-day-simon-benoits-growing-popularity-with-the-maple-leafs], even sharing his postgame routine on Instagram in a video collaboration with Milk Up Ontario. "I should be a sponsor for that, I drink milk every single day," Benoit said. "If I don't have my big glass of milk at home before going to bed, I won't sleep." After his rigorous training session Tuesday, aside from water, it’s safe to say that Benoit likely turned to his favorite beverage, milk, for post-workout refreshment. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTk1MTUxMDE2NDM2ODQ0/cf1808c0-6a82-4298-9049-3eb2eae105b0.jpg] Related Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner Taking in Summer Weather on Sea-Doo Alongside Chocolate Lab, Zeus [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-mitch-marner-taking-in-summer-weather-on-sea-doo-alongside-chocolate-lab-zeus] Maple Leafs’ Max Domi Hits the Links with ‘The Nelk Boys’ Kyle Forgeard in Latest Instagram Story [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-max-domi-hits-the-links-with-the-nelk-boys-kyle-forgeard-in-latest-instagram-story] Chris Tanev Revealed That a 'Departure Tax' When Leaving Canada Was a Consideration Before Ultimately Signing With Maple Leafs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/chris-tanev-revealed-that-a-departure-tax-when-leaving-canada-was-a-consideration-before-ultimately-signing-with-maple-leafs] News from THN.com NHL Free Agency: A Handful of Needle-Moving RFAs Are Still Waiting [https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-free-agency-a-handful-of-needle-moving-rfas-are-still-waiting] Can Canada's Coaching Powerhouse Solve the Goaltending Question for 4 Nations Face-Off? [https://thehockeynews.com/news/can-canadas-coaching-powerhouse-solve-the-goaltending-question-for-4-nations-face-off] NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest On the Carolina Hurricanes and Winnipeg Jets [https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-rumor-roundup-latest-on-the-carolina-hurricanes-and-winnipeg-jets]
