Last Updated on November 10, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Simon Benoit is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on September 19, 1998, in Laval, Quebec, Canada, he is known for his physical playing style, defensive abilities, and determination.
Beyond his professional hockey career, Benoit is a father and family-oriented athlete. His longtime partner is Alice Desaulnier, and the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in September 2024.
He also has an older brother named Vincent Benoit, whom he has credited with helping him develop his competitive personality. Although Benoit has spoken about his family’s support, the names of his parents have not been reliably established through major public sports reports.
Simon Benoit’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?
Simon Benoit’s longtime partner is Alice Desaulnier, a Canadian woman originally from Shawinigan, Quebec.
The couple has reportedly been together since 2017 and has shared several important milestones, including living in California and Toronto and welcoming their first child.
During an interview published by Sportsnet in February 2024, Benoit discussed his relationship with Alice and their shared love of animals.
At the time, they were living in Toronto while Benoit played for the Maple Leafs.
They owned two dogs and a cat, which helped keep Alice company whenever Simon traveled for NHL games.
In September 2024, the couple welcomed their first child, marking an important milestone in their relationship.
Benoit described Alice as his girlfriend in interviews during the 2024–25 season.
However, following his June 2026 trade to the Philadelphia Flyers, he referred to his wife and child while discussing the memories he had created in Toronto.
This suggests that the couple’s relationship progressed beyond the girlfriend-boyfriend stage. Nevertheless, a wedding date and ceremony details have not been independently verified through established reporting.
Who Is Alice Desaulnier?
Alice Desaulnier is Simon Benoit’s longtime romantic partner and the mother of his daughter.
Originally from Shawinigan, Quebec, she has accompanied Benoit through different stages of his professional hockey career.
According to a February 2024 Sportsnet interview, Alice previously worked at a village bar in Quebec.
She also shares Simon’s affection for animals.
The couple’s pets included a large black Labrador mix named Molson, a smaller rescue dog named Bourbon, and a cat named Brandy.
They adopted Bourbon while living in California during Benoit’s time with the Anaheim Ducks.
The cat, Brandy, joined the family after they learned that someone was considering surrendering the animal to a shelter.
Benoit explained that they decided to adopt the cat rather than allow it to lose its home.
In April 2024, Alice publicly shared the news that she and Simon were expecting their first child.
The couple welcomed their daughter approximately five months later.
Although Alice occasionally appears in hockey-related social media posts, she generally maintains a comparatively private personal life.
Simon Benoit’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Simon Benoit has one publicly confirmed child, a daughter born on September 19, 2024.
The birth took place on Benoit’s 26th birthday, making the occasion especially memorable for the Canadian defenseman.
Simon Benoit’s Daughter
Simon Benoit and Alice Desaulnier welcomed their first daughter on September 19, 2024, while Simon was preparing for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2024–25 NHL season.
The Maple Leafs announced that Benoit would miss the opening day of training camp because he and his partner had welcomed their first child.
He returned to practice the following day and spoke emotionally about the experience of becoming a father.
In an interview published by The Hockey News on September 20, 2024, Benoit explained that both Alice and their newborn daughter were healthy and doing well.
He also discussed the overwhelming emotions he experienced while holding his daughter for the first time.
His teammates celebrated the occasion by giving him stick taps when he returned to training camp.
At the time, Benoit and Alice had not finalized their daughter’s name.
During another interview in late September 2024, he jokingly explained that teammates had started suggesting possible names.
Ryan Reaves humorously proposed the name Cashew because Benoit affectionately called Alice Peanut.
However, the child’s final name has not been reliably verified through the public reports reviewed.
Becoming a father also affected Benoit’s daily routine during the 2024–25 season.
He acknowledged that adjusting to disrupted sleep and new family responsibilities initially affected his performance.
By April 2025, he explained that he had become more comfortable balancing hockey with fatherhood.
He also expressed appreciation for Alice’s support during the adjustment.
Simon Benoit’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Simon Benoit was born and raised in Laval, Quebec, Canada.
His family encouraged his participation in hockey, and he has publicly acknowledged their support throughout his professional development.
However, the names and detailed personal backgrounds of his parents are not consistently documented in authoritative NHL biographies or established sports reporting.
Simon Benoit’s Father: Who Is His Dad?
Simon Benoit’s father’s name has not been reliably confirmed through major public hockey sources.
Although Benoit has occasionally discussed his childhood and family experiences, most interviews focus on his journey through junior hockey and his development as a professional defenseman.
Growing up in Laval, he developed his hockey skills through local minor hockey programs before joining the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
His family supported his ambitions despite the uncertainty associated with pursuing a professional career.
Unlike many prominent NHL prospects, Benoit was not selected in the NHL Entry Draft.
He instead worked his way through junior hockey and the minor leagues before securing an NHL contract.
While his family’s encouragement has been publicly acknowledged, reliable information about his father’s name, occupation, and personal background remains limited.
Simon Benoit’s Mother: Who Is She?
Simon Benoit’s mother’s name has also not been consistently established through authoritative public sources.
He grew up in a supportive family environment in Laval, where hockey became an important part of his childhood.
Benoit has spoken positively about the encouragement he received from his family during his journey toward professional hockey.
That support became especially important when he was pursuing his career without the recognition or guarantees associated with being an NHL draft pick.
His determination eventually earned him an opportunity with the Anaheim Ducks organization.
Although his mother has remained outside extensive public media coverage, Benoit has acknowledged the importance of his family in helping him achieve his professional goals.
Simon Benoit’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Simon Benoit has an older brother named Vincent Benoit.
His brother’s identity was confirmed in an April 2025 interview published by TVA Sports.
During that interview, Simon explained how growing up with Vincent helped him develop the physical toughness and competitive mentality that became important parts of his NHL playing style.
Vincent Benoit – Simon Benoit’s Older Brother
Vincent Benoit is Simon Benoit’s older brother and one of his earliest athletic influences.
According to Simon, Vincent is approximately five years older than him.
During their childhood, the brothers frequently played hockey together and participated in informal competitions.
Because Vincent was considerably older and physically stronger, Simon often found himself at a disadvantage during their games.
However, those experiences helped him become more determined and comfortable competing against larger opponents.
In April 2025, while the Toronto Maple Leafs were facing the Ottawa Senators in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Simon discussed his brother’s influence during an interview with TVA Sports.
He jokingly explained that Vincent had made his childhood difficult because he usually had the advantage whenever the brothers competed.
Simon credited those experiences with helping prepare him for the physical demands of playoff hockey.
He also expressed gratitude for the encouragement his family had provided throughout his life.
The interview came shortly after Benoit emerged as an unexpected playoff hero for Toronto.
On April 24, 2025, he scored the overtime-winning goal against Ottawa in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.
The goal helped Toronto take a 3–0 series lead and became one of the defining moments of his career with the Maple Leafs.
Although Vincent’s influence on Simon’s childhood is well documented, reliable information about his current profession and personal life is limited.
No additional siblings have been consistently identified in established reporting about Simon Benoit’s immediate family.
Simon Benoit’s Family Life in Toronto
Simon Benoit’s time with the Toronto Maple Leafs represented an important period in both his professional and personal life.
He joined the organization in August 2023 after spending several years with the Anaheim Ducks.
During his first season in Toronto, he earned a regular place in the team’s defensive lineup.
Off the ice, he and Alice established a home together and continued caring for their pets.
In February 2024, Benoit told Sportsnet that he enjoyed living in Toronto and appreciated the support he received from the organization.
Later that year, the couple welcomed their daughter.
Becoming a father required Benoit to adjust his schedule and priorities while continuing to compete in the NHL.
He discussed the challenges of interrupted sleep but emphasized that fatherhood had been a wonderful experience.
In April 2025, he spoke about how much he enjoyed returning home to his daughter after practices and games.
Toronto also provided the setting for several important career achievements, including his memorable overtime goal against Ottawa during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Following his trade to Philadelphia in June 2026, Benoit reflected positively on the memories he had created in Toronto with his partner and child.
Simon Benoit’s Move to the Philadelphia Flyers
On June 16, 2026, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded Simon Benoit and goaltender Joseph Woll to the Philadelphia Flyers.
In exchange, Toronto received goaltender Samuel Ersson, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a third-round selection in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
The move reunited Benoit with former Anaheim Ducks teammates Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale.
During his introductory interview with Philadelphia reporters, Benoit expressed excitement about joining the Flyers.
He also acknowledged that leaving Toronto was emotional because of the friendships, experiences, and family memories he had established there.
He specifically mentioned the importance of Toronto as the city where he had welcomed his child.
The move represented a new chapter in Benoit’s professional hockey career and family life.
Simon Benoit’s Early Life and Family Background
Simon Benoit was born on September 19, 1998, in Laval, Quebec, Canada.
He grew up playing hockey and developed his skills through local minor hockey programs.
During his teenage years, he joined the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Benoit played three seasons with Shawinigan between 2015 and 2018, recording eight goals and 35 assists for 43 points in 182 regular-season games.
Despite his development, he was not selected in the NHL Entry Draft.
In 2018, he attended the Anaheim Ducks’ development camp as an undrafted invitee.
His performances earned him an opportunity with the San Diego Gulls, Anaheim’s American Hockey League affiliate.
On March 7, 2019, the Ducks signed him to a three-year entry-level NHL contract.
Benoit made his NHL debut on April 28, 2021, against the Los Angeles Kings.
He subsequently established himself as a physical defenseman who contributed through shot blocking, body checks, and penalty killing.
In August 2023, he signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
His first season in Toronto was a breakthrough, as he appeared in 64 regular-season games and all seven of the team’s playoff contests.
He became a regular member of Toronto’s defensive group and signed a three-year contract extension in March 2024.
One of his most memorable achievements came during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, when he scored an overtime-winning goal against the Ottawa Senators.
In June 2026, he joined the Philadelphia Flyers through a trade involving Toronto and Philadelphia.
Throughout his professional journey, Benoit has emphasized determination, hard work, and the support of his family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simon Benoit’s Family
Who is Simon Benoit’s girlfriend?
Simon Benoit’s longtime partner is Alice Desaulnier, a Canadian woman from Shawinigan, Quebec. The couple has been together since approximately 2017 and welcomed a daughter in September 2024.
Is Simon Benoit married?
Benoit referred to his wife during a June 2026 interview following his trade to Philadelphia. However, reliable public information about the couple’s wedding date and ceremony remains limited.
Does Simon Benoit have children?
Yes. Simon Benoit has one publicly confirmed child, a daughter born on September 19, 2024.
What is Simon Benoit’s daughter’s name?
His daughter’s name has not been reliably verified through established public reporting. When she was born in September 2024, Benoit said that he and Alice were still deciding on a name.
Who is Simon Benoit’s father?
Simon Benoit’s father’s name has not been reliably established through official NHL biographies or major sports reports.
Who is Simon Benoit’s mother?
His mother’s name has not been consistently documented in authoritative public sources.
Does Simon Benoit have a brother?
Yes. Simon Benoit has an older brother named Vincent Benoit, who is approximately five years older than him.
How many siblings does Simon Benoit have?
Simon Benoit has one publicly documented sibling, his older brother Vincent.
How did Simon Benoit’s brother influence his hockey career?
Vincent frequently played hockey and competed with Simon during childhood. Simon has credited those experiences with helping him develop the physical toughness and competitive mentality needed for professional hockey.
Where is Simon Benoit’s family from?
Simon Benoit is from Laval, Quebec, Canada. His longtime partner, Alice Desaulnier, is originally from Shawinigan, Quebec.
When did Simon Benoit become a father?
Simon Benoit became a father on September 19, 2024, the same day he celebrated his 26th birthday.
Living and breathing ice hockey, Bernald Sanders delivers comprehensive coverage of the NHL season from puck drop to the Stanley Cup Finals. He specializes in tactical breakdowns, trade analysis, power-play strategies, and tracking rising draft prospects. Bernald turns fast-paced on-ice action into clear, sharp insights for hockey fans around the globe.
