Simon Benoit is quickly emerging into a fan favourite in Toronto: Leafs Morning Take

Chalk this up to things you love to see: The Toronto Maple Leafs getting off to a quality start in 2024.

Far and away, Tuesday night’s performance in Los Angeles was one of Toronto’s better ones of the season. They played with conviction and purpose. It was an outstanding effort.

Funny enough, the impressive victory was overshadowed by the headline news from off the ice. Nothing’s done just yet but according to Nick Kypreos and Elliotte Friedman, it appears that the Leafs and William Nylander have made significant ground on contact extension talks over the past little while. Furthermore, Friedman even went as far to say that it could happen as soon as this week. Jay Rosehill and I reacted to that blockbuster information to kick off the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take.

Presented by Door Dash, The Appetizer offered an extensive breakdown of Toronto’s efficient 3-0 victory over the Kings. Martin Jones notched his 30^th career shutout while William Nylander, who by the sounds of it is about to get the bag, chipped in with two goals. It was a very complete effort up and down the lineup. On top of that, we were really impressed by Simon Benoit once again. In short order, the 25-year-old has developed tremendous chemistry with d-partner Jake McCabe. He’s been a pleasant surprise this season.

Meantime, courtesy the Wendy’s Daily Faceoff Survivor, we previewed the second half of the back-to-back in Anaheim. We won’t know much until closer to puck drop but there’s certainly a chance – at the very least – that Dennis Hildeby will make his NHL debut.

Speaking of which, be sure to join us on Thursday at 11 AM as we recap that game. Also, we’ll play our recorded interview with Craig Berube for all of you.