What Should the Toronto Maple Leafs Do With Wayne Simmonds?
By Luke Ryan
Trade Him
Perhaps even less likely that the notion of waiving Wayne Simmonds is the idea that the Toronto Maple Leafs can find a trade partner.
If you were talking the Wayne Simmonds of yesteryear that put up fifty points a season, made big momentum-shifting hits and was willing to fight; absolutely there would be takers.
Unfortunately the current version of the player seems more likely to manage one of those elements per game, while ultimately slowing his linemates down somewhat.
The issue with trading really is two-fold though. Wayne Simmonds, being a Scarborough local; you have to imagine, enjoys being home. Add in his limited move clause and it’s already a hard-sell.
If I’m Wayne Simmonds, the only teams I’m willing to go to are going to be ones that are contending right now. Granted he only gets to veto 10 teams, but still…
Realistically though, those very same teams are going to likely see the least value in Simmonds. While Tampa and the Rangers, for example, do each run players that fit the slightly old-school mold of Simmonds; it really is one per team.
The idea that any team is coming in with a trade purely for Wayne Simmonds is frankly delusional and something more akin to armchair-GM thinking as opposed to being based in reality.
Right now, it seems the Toronto Maple Leafs have very limited options as to how they handle the final year of Wayne Simmonds’ contract. Unfortunately for them, it seems he will be taking ice-time off younger guys this season.
Perhaps the only saving grace in all of this is that teams will continue to have a deterrent when it comes to taking liberties with Maple Leafs players. However, the need for that in the modern game continues to lessen seemingly.
All told, signing Wayne Simmonds certainly was never a failure for the Leafs; unfortunately he didn’t get back to the heights of his earlier years though which would’ve made it an absolute success.
Next. Keep an Eye on Hellebuyck. dark
The jury remains out on what role he effectively plays this season; in perhaps his last NHL year.