Life changing news revealed for Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit

As the Maple Leafs and Bruins continue their intense playoff series, one Leaf, Simon Benoit, has something extra to play for after some recent life changing news.

Down 2-1 in their round 1 series against the Boston Bruins, the Leafs have a lot to play for. A recent shift in the power structure at MLSE's head office means that playoff success is more vital than ever to avoid changes at all levels, from management to the coaching staff and to the on-ice personnel.

For Simon Benoit, a new 3-year deal with the Leafs, which he signed shortly before the playoffs began, means some security. That's huge when it comes to the news he recently received.

The Leafs' wives and girlfriends attend the games regularly, spending their night in a special suite at Scotiabank Arena. Here's a look at the gathering ahead of Game 3, provided by Benoit's significant other, Alice Desaulnier, via her Instagram account.



The custom food spread looked amazing. I mean, those cookies? Come on..


The big news was revealed to fans when Desaulnier revealed a baby bump, tagging Benoit on it to let fans know he was about to be a proud papa.



First off, congratulations to Benoit and Desaulnier. That's such wonderful news, especially with his new contract recently being signed. They've made Toronto their home and it's exciting to see that they're starting a family together.

Now, with a baby on the way, you know that Benoit will play as hard as ever, now that he has even more motivation to continue to earn his keep in Toronto.

The Laval, PQ native has been found money for the Maple Leafs after signing a 1-year deal for the league minimum last summer, as a sort of a "prove it" deal.

Hopefully he and the Leafs can take Game 4 in Toronto tomorrow night and even the series at 2 games apiece heading back to Boston for Game 5 early next week.

Update - A big congratulations also goes out to Ilya Lyubushkin and his wife, Diana Lyubushkina, on the birth of their 3rd child this week. Lyubushkin was absent from practice on Friday as he spends some time with his wife and newborn daughter.